Source: Instagram
This Politician's Defense of NFL Players Who Protest During the Anthem Has Gone Viral
Texas State Senator candidate Beto O'Rourke summed up protests during anthems perfectly
Beto O'Rourke, a Democratic congressman from El Paso, Texas, has become a national figure after comments he made about NFL players kneeling during the anthem went viral.
O'Rourke, who is running for state senator against incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz, made his comments during a town hall.
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O'Rourke was asked how he felt about players like Colin Kaepernickkneeling during the anthem. O'Rourke said he supported the movement, stressing the fact that African Americans have a long history of peacefully protesting. At one point he compared the sacrifices of veterans to the sacrifices of civil rights activists.
O'Rourkeput it succinctly when he said, of peaceful protests, "I can think of nothing more American."
NowThis released the video of the moment on Tuesday, August 21st:
\u201c\u2018I can think of nothing more American.\u2019 \u2014 Beto O'Rourke \u2014 the man taking on Ted Cruz \u2014 brilliantly explains why NFL players kneeling during the anthem is not disrespectful\u201d— NowThis (@NowThis) 1534887180
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The video has gone viral. It has been viewed over sevenmillion times on Twitter and gathered almost 170,000 retweets. As the video has spread, a number of prominent athletesretweeted and showed support for O'Rourke and the video.
This includes LeBron James who called the video "A Must Watch:"
Also showing support is legendaryNFL quarterback Kurt Warner, NBA coach Steve Kerr, and ex-NFL coach Tony Dungy.
\u201cEvery past & present fan of NFL - please listen - I believe he hit the nail on the head & he did so not by dividing the 2 sides but by joining them together in realizing the freedoms of our country have been forged by soldiers but also by many others who have fought in diff ways!\u201d— Kurt Warner (@Kurt Warner) 1534913089
\u201cIf you want some insight into the National Anthem kneeling controversy, watch this. If you\u2019ve already made up your mind that kneeling is disrespectful and facts and history won\u2019t change your mind there\u2019s no need to watch.\u201d— Tony Dungy (@Tony Dungy) 1534945803
Source: NowThisisNews