Another NFL season, another season of outrage, patriotism and boycotts. There is no limit to the sacrifices we make to express our love of country.

Let's compare giving up watching football to playing football and making upwards of $30,000,000 per year to do so. That is the sacrifice Colin Kaepernick is willing to do for his convictions. Why would he give up such a future for himself and his family? Because he saw something as wrong and wanted to shine a light on it. The American justice system is not color blind.

What conviction does any of us have that we feel so strongly about that we would give up $10,000 a year for? He didn't threaten anyone; he didn't force anyone; he didn't hurt anyone -- he silently took a knee. What he did was exactly what brave American men and woman have fought and died for. The right of average, everyday citizens to peacefully protest their government.

Maybe those who are so offended should use the time away from watching the Chiefs and their exciting, young quarterback to do some soul searching and really try to understand why.

Forced patriotism is a tenet of Fascism, not of Democracy.

Reg Matz