March 28, 2024

Langreck: Something to believe in

It has been a trying year for everyone as the country, and most of the world, has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to quarantine to help slow the spread of the virus.

Besides trying to slow the spread of COVID-19, protests have been held across the country to raise awareness about the importance of racial equality for everyone.

I want to be 100% clear that I am not against people peacefully protesting and standing up for what they believe is right, but that means people also need to respect the thoughts and ideas of those who may have opposing views.

During the baseball season opening game, players of the Dodgers and the Giants decided to kneel during the national anthem in support of the Black Lives Matter movement while all holding a black piece of fabric.

However, Sam Coonrod, a relief player with the Giants, chose to stand during the anthem, instead of kneeling, because as a Christian he strongly had issues against kneeling for anything or anyone besides God.

I strongly agree with what Coonrod did and respect more than words can possibly express how much hearing about this story meant to me.

Although Coonrod said he wanted players of both teams and other individuals to know he meant no disrespect, he does not agree with some of the things that the Black Lives Matter movement supports, including how the movement leans toward Marxism ideas.

Coonrod has taken heat from several news and media organizations that claim he is hiding behind his faith — but he is not hiding, rather standing up for what he believes is right.

He deserves the same amount of respect for his personal beliefs and reasons for not kneeling during the national anthem, just as those who choose to kneel want respect and equality.