Choose heroes carefully; Kaepernick is not one

Regarding “A silent rebellion, brought to light” (Feb 16):

It could be that the school employee who seemed disgusted by your action is a veteran who has experienced seeing friends and colleagues wounded and die during battle to defend your right to remain in your seat while others stand to pledge allegiance.

It’s great that you take an interest in the politics and policies of our nation and, yes, you are entitled to an opinion. I encourage you to continue to express it. But be careful to not allow your disagreement with an action or policy to create disdain for your country, for to do so would dishonor those who have fought for and earned your freedom to express that disagreement.

Finally, you cite Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand for the national anthem as an inspiration. My grandfather was wounded in France three days after the Normandy invasion of World War II. I distinctly remember him saying on several occasions: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend with my life your right to say it.” He did, and he was disabled for the rest of his life for doing so. Like the thousands of men and women who served and continue to serve this country, my grandfather is a hero and a role model. Colin Kapernick is not.

— Tim Deal

Salisbury

Try these nominees

President Trump, with your nominees falling by the wayside, why not put forth the names of Huey, Dewey and Louie as a quick replacement for all of your failed, unqualified nominees? In your alternative world, the aforementioned would easily fit right in and I’m sure the other Donald (Duck) wouldn’t mind in the least. They would be an asset to your administration that is (in your words) “running like a well-oiled machine.”

— Herb Stark

Mooresville