Those who kneel explained why

Editor, The Commercial:

Regarding a column by Kelley Bohlmann: if (the writer) and “all others” have been told repeatedly — from Kaepernick to members of the UA women’s basketball team — that the kneeling during the national anthem is a protest against the killing of black men (and women) by police, why do you and “all others” persist in interpreting their actions as a protest against Americanism, our armed forces and whatever else you and they say?

Obviously there is a “break” somewhere. Who are you and they to interpret the “appropriate use of free speech?” I think there is a problem with you and “all others” who think we should not be able to express our right to free speech.

You and “all others” who think like you should realize we don’t like the way you interpret our actions when we are telling you expressly what they mean. You really feel we should be happy we are here despite our status.

We should be quiet, not seen, and love that all of you are permitting us to barely live, work and play here in all our America. We didn’t ask to come here. But we are not going anywhere. We’ve put too much black blood, sweat and tears into this country.

We, like you, have the right to peacefully protest our treatment in our country. As a minister and a Christian, while I sincerely doubt, you say you “stand for those who are hurting in such a way that does not shame our country.” What exactly have you done to say you believe and support “Black Lives Matter?”

Hazel A. Smith

Pine Bluff