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NFL quarterback refuses to stand for the anthem In this November 2015 file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sits on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Santa Clara, Calif. A northern Nevada airport is getting an earful about a decorative display that, in part, highlights Kaepernick, a treasured product of the University of Nevada's football program who in recent days has been in the spotlight over his decision to sit down during the national anthem. AP Photo Friday Sep 2, 2016 at 12:44 PM Sep 2, 2016 at 12:44 PM John DarlingFor the Tidings San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick action — or inaction — off the field has caused a bigger outburst than any touchdown pass he ever threw. He has refused to stand during the traditional pre-game singing of the National Anthem.  His reason? “I’m a black man in a white world,” explained the one-time Super Bowl QB. “I won’t stand to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” The ritual of voicing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events has been questioned before. Why sports? Why not before concerts, auctions or movies? Kaepernick is also not the first athlete to opt out of the song. Twice, NBA players have just said no. And don’t forget the then-outrageous black power fist raised during the anthem in 1968 by two black American Olympic runners.  But times are changing and fewer people are willing to smile on through something they don’t believe in. Not only is the 1814 song convoluted, confusing and in archaic language, but demands full-throated warbling about fighting, rockets and bombs — things not all Americans adore.  We only sing the first verse, but if you study the third verse, it cites slavery in puzzling words — something about being unable to save slaves from “the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave.” In the next line, composer Francis Scott Key (a slave owner who also freed many of his slaves) ironically lauds “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”  While Kaepernick was pilloried by conservative pundits for his lack of patriotism and disrespect of our armed forces, he found support from liberals who felt the freedom promised in the song and in the First Amendment is what the flag is about and what Kaepernick was expressing when he stood up for those principles by sitting down.  Many have suggested other more singable and politically digestible alternatives to this martial ditty — “America the Beautiful” or “God Bless America,” though both of these invoke “God,” a deity not present in all religions and thus having the potential to offend. Woody Guthie’s rousing “This Land is Your Land” claims America belongs to us all equally, but questions if that includes the hungry.  We asked Ashlanders what they thought about Kaepernick’s protest.  Emil Khooda — I don’t agree with it. There are other ways to express your feelings. It’s a slap in the face of people who fought for our liberties. I can respect his decision to make that choice, though.  Sunny Lindley — He should be free to do what he believes in. It’s great if it’s effective and gets the message out. I’m all for patriotism if it’s about something that can really be supported. Where America is going now, I’m not excited about it. I’m not excited about singing the anthem. We could use our voices instead to come together and then we could feel more patriotic. When my kids were in school in Murphy, they wouldn’t excuse them from pledging allegiance, so I taught them Utah Philips’ alternate words, which look like you’re saying the right words.  Dana Ahern — Everyone has personal choice. He’s in the limelight so he gets lots of attention, but I’m sure a lot of people in the audience aren’t singing it either. He says the song is oppressive but if we have to sing another song, that’s kind of oppressive in it’s own way.  Kate Nahan — I have the liberal view on that. He has freedom of speech. I understand the conservative response, but I think his action is a wake-up call. There are still a lot of issues with people of color and they are standing up about it.  Shawn Schreiner — I’m in the liberal camp and support his right to sit. Symbols are symbols. If you don’t have the freedom not to honor them, then what does the flag stand for? Is this my hero? No. I just respect his right to do it. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].