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As COVID-19 spreads through America, gun sales rise- prompting a bigger call for Gun Control by Gun Grabbing Extremists. Where's the hype from these new age, high profile Civil Rights leaders, as lawmakers use a health crisis to infringe on American Rights?
In today's society, mention, "NFL" or "Pro Football," and more than likely you'll get an opinion or two about boycotting teams due to flag kneelers. Colin Kaepernick's name will come up a bit, and so will something along the lines of, "Celebrities and sports stars should keep their mouths shut about political matters."
** Before reading any further, just know, there's no reason to preach to the choir, here. As the daughter of a former Law Enforcement official, with a many active duty and Veteran family members... I TOTALLY GET IT! BUT... for the sake of someone who agrees with celebs, like Kaepernick, that may be reading, let's reach beyond the choir a bit. **
Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers, decided to kneel during the National Anthem before a game started in 2016. Kaepernick felt that taking a knee would be an appropriate way to protest ongoing racism towards black Americans. - per The Glen Echo
Since that day back in 2016, Kaepernick's "free speech" expression has been a trend among those in politics. Rather than standing for the flag, many throughout the entertainment industry "stand" with Colin, while kneeling in resistance to the American Flag and what they perceive as its underlying message of racism. The action has grown into something much more than what Colin expected. With the world watching, other sports pros followed suit, as they use this show of protest to also defy recognition of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America.
What many do not realize is Colin's choice didn't come from a political aspect... originally. The focus of Kaepernick's message came soon after the 2015 Police shooting of Mario Woods, in San Francisco- a city in a strict Gun Control state of CA.
On December 2nd, 2015, a black man by the name of Mario Woods was brutally shot by not one police officer... NOT two or three... BUT EIGHT... 8... Police Officers. I get it, Kaepernick. Really. As a Cop's Kid and a "Thin Blue Liner," I get it. Even when the city of San Francisco ruled that the officers were TOTALLY WITHIN THEIR LEGALITY to do so, I personally felt it wasn't right. EIGHT OFFICERS to take down ONE man with A KNIFE. It took 8!?!
Let's be clear, though. Woods was a criminal. He was high as a Wuhan China Bat and had just been suspected of stabbing a man an hour before his own demise... with the same knife he was wielding when the officers surrounded him. He deserved to be arrested. The fact that he did not follow orders and drop the knife when Law Enforcement told him to, that, too, deserved a response by officers- because he was seen as an immediate threat. Eight cops shooting him all at once, though? Ehhhh... Sorry. I'm with Kaepernick here. Excessive force. Woods, and in his condition, could've been taken down with one to two bullets, or even a nicely aimed mace squirt. PERIOD.
So, yes Colin... I GET IT. BUT... why are you attacking cops with your piggy socks... and NOT THE LEGISLATORS TO WHICH YOU BUDDY UP WITH AND ALLOW TO GUSH OVER YOU? These same legislators helped put those policies the officers followed in place. THEY'RE the ones who push the envelope.
Since Kaepernick "knelt to take a stand," he went on to sign with and become the face of Civil Rights for the mega- company, Nike.
Colin Kaepernick is a professional NFL Super Bowl quarterback who fights oppression globally. Originally fully funded by Kaepernick, he founded the global Know Your Rights Camps to advance the liberation of Black and Brown people through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders. - per his foundation's mission statement linked above.
Which brings us to another NFL Player: Quinnen Williams
On March 5th, 2020, while boarding a flight at LaGuardia Airport, from NY to Mexico, NFL's New York Jet's defensive lineman, Quinnen Williams was arrested for having a firearm in possession.
Quinnen Williams, a 22 year old Pro Football player, originally played for the University of Alabama before his big NFL break. He's also the younger brother to Jacksonville Jaguar's linebacker, Quincy Williams.
What happened?
Williams, 22, was arrested Thursday (March 5th, 2020) night when the defensive lineman tried to board a plane while in possession of a Glock 19, for which he has a permit in Alabama but not in New York, New York/New Jersey Port Authority police said.
The semi-automatic pistol, which was discovered about 9:15 p.m. at a Delta check-in counter, was not loaded, police spokeswoman Lenis Rodriguez told CNN.
Williams’ attorney Alex Spiro said in a statement: “Mr. Williams respects and follows the law. There was allegedly a technical issue with the manner in which the lawfully owned firearm was stored — and we expect the matter to be resolved shortly.” - Per the NYPost
So, let's Compare Woods to Williams:
Both are black men in America.
Mario Woods was a malicious criminal, and although, his punishment was excessive, he rightfully paid the price.
Quinnen Williams overlooked a variable and made a mistake and is paying a bigger price. Quinnen never sought to harm anyone. His legally permitted Glock 19 (which was unloaded per the law and HE was even the one who pointed it out while checking his bag, to avoid promoting chaos) that was never used in a crime, got him arrested.
Mario Woods was a criminal who received INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION when Colin Kaepernick used his death as a Civil Rights Awareness Tactic that turned into much much more.
Quinnen Williams was legally and safely exercising his Constitutional/ CIVIL Right, and was arrested for it instead.
Will Colin Kaepernick be kneeling for his NFL colleague, Quinnen Williams?
Considering Williams' court appearance was delayed, Colin has plenty of time.