“As the pledge of allegiance started during Durham city
council meeting, you can see 10 year old
Liam Holmes in the back, drop down.
What I did was took a knee against racial discrimination,
which what it means is basically when people
are mean to other people of different colors.
At a very young age you can be a model person
And stand up for what you believe.”
So a 10 year old gets it, but most adults can’t.
In a regular society that wasn’t hellbent on force-feeding
patriotism down the throats of its citizens, this act of
bravery would be celebrated, or at the very least understood.
A young man, conscious about issues involving
race in our society, and wanting to take a stand.
“Basically when people are mean
to other people of different colors.”
Isn’t that what this country prides itself
on being the ‘freest country in the world?’
I mean, isn’t that’ what patriotism is all about?
When you love something and want to make it better?
Like James Baldwin said, ‘I love America more than
any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason,
I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.’
Or is it just about waving a flag,
yelling ‘Merica’ and burning your Nikes?
“Our country, proud f*****g american.
Made in the USA bitch.”
While I, and many others applauded his bravery,
and his compassion, others sought to
vilify him and condemn his parents for ‘brainwashing him.’
So let me get this straight ok,
we have a bunch of rowdy kids who jump around in front of an
native elder’s face, some making fun of him, all while dawning
MAGA hats, well they’re brave you know they’re
just exercising their freedom of speech.
But a 10-year-old peacefully taking a knee
- oh that’s disrespectful, ok?
This kid has more compassion and understanding
in his heart than full grown adults who claim
to be ‘educated’ on the issues he’s addressing.
When asked about how he’d handle critics:
“Some people might say they don’t
support what you did.
Well, those people just don’t listen.”
All hail the young woke king.
This kid gets it.
Listening.
how hard is that right?
Listening.
Listening is what it’s always been about.
When Kaepernick first took a knee,
it was to shed light on the issue of
police brutality and racial injustice.
But instead of listening to why, well you know what happened.
Staunch critics with their Nike Monarchs in
a bunch attacked him and did everything
in their power to deflect from the why.
They tried to distort the message,
making it about the military or the vets.
And here’s the worst part, they did that successfully,
because far too many Americans,
despite history being the perfect reference as
to why this needs to happen, would rather take the easy road
of pretending there is no issue, subscribing to this false
narrative of patriotism meaning blind allegiance without ever
posing any questions to those in power.
Beknown to the fact that, that sounds a lot
more like indoctrination than what those
critics claim is happening to this kid.
I mean bear with me, I may be crazy,
but to me, thinking for yourself, and wanting
to help others, that sounds a lot more like freedom
than say forced allegiance and never asking
any questions to those in power.
The latter actually sounds a lot more like
North Korea than a ‘free country.’
Actions did not impress
the scout leader, though. he said,
"Part of the scout oath is to God
and your country, and I understand people
have the right to freedom of speech. I just don't understand
why it has to be during the Pledge of Allegiance."
Oh so what about during the national anthem?
Oh no.
Ok what about say on the front of a bus?
No.
Ok what about in the streets?
No either.
Ok so I think you’re starting to see a trend here.
It’s never acceptable for someone to protest racial injustice,
that’s what basically people are trying to say.
But while some anti-SJW, anti-snowflake,
“We ain’t offended at anything
- well, except Keurigs, razor commercials,
Nikes, and now, 10-year-olds”
conservatives have called for the
‘scolding’ of this young lad, he’s actually received
a lot of support from celebrities and activists alike.
The mayor applauded his action, stating they
‘endorse and appreciate all expressions of conscience’.
His father also commented, saying
"When he did it I was really surprised and
also really proud of my son."
And those of us who understand free speech,
and the ability to empathize with others,
also are proud of this young ally.
Maybe he can hold a class enlightening
others who can’t see past the stars and stripes
forced in front of their eyes.
For more on this come over to my instagram @francismmaxwell 111 00:04:29,136 --> 00:00:00,000 you can support independent media at tyt.com/join