The past two weeks have brought all sorts of debate about Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem protest. There are passionate voices on both sides of the debate, and that covers fans, players, coaches and front office types. At times it brings out the worst in people, but as this discussion moves forward, it can bring out useful debate.
On Friday night, Ian Williams sent out this tweet, and it opened the floodgates to an evening of discussion.
What is freedom of speech....?
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
If you go into Williams’ timeline, you’ll see him responding to numerous questions and comments throughout the evening. I know we’ll have people who both agree and disagree, but Williams’ comments did not seem off the cuff, but rather, well reasoned points of discussion. There will still be disagreement, but he engaged people respectfully.
I won’t post all the tweets, but here are some of them. He got into the issues of right to protest, the ability to move the discussion forward, some of the underlying issues, and so much more. It’s worth your time to check out his timeline.
Yes I agree with you. But those VERY BRAVE MEN&WOMEN fought for our right 2 be free n have freedom of speech right? https://t.co/1CufR17QaQ
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
To have a voice and be free... Vets put their lives on the line for our rights but when those rights are exercised https://t.co/pTZrscRt1G
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
It's all of a sudden "disrespectful and unpatriotic" https://t.co/pTZrscRt1G
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
Preach I just wish before a conclusion to an opinion was made, people put themselves in other peoples shoes https://t.co/7txzNxOqYV
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
You are right... But this drastic action of protest has people talking and that's exactly what is needed https://t.co/4EaoPSGD8y
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
Let me ask you this please... How should they have protested to get their views to a large audience to make change? https://t.co/X88JnnWIii
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
Your actions won't please everyone but the goal was 2 get this ship moving n people talking, being engaged 4 change https://t.co/mH0voZp19S
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016
Exactly what Kap is doing, the 49ers and other teams. It's happening we just gotta keep the focus on the issues! https://t.co/rPrUIYVhPl
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) September 10, 2016