Open Letter to the (Rational) Trump Supporter

Dear (Rational) Trump Supporter,

First and foremost, congratulations. For the fifth time in history, the electoral college Trumped (pun intended) the popular vote and your candidate has become the president-elect of the United States. For you, I know this is a triumphant day to beat the democrats and especially to beat the woman that you think is oh so evil.

Taking a Stand, By Taking a Seat

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." 
-Colin Kaepernick, NFL Quarterback

The words were strong, the actions were stronger. As with every sporting event, the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers game this past Friday night was preceded by a rendition of our National Anthem. As is custom, all of the athletes, coaches, and fans stood on their feet, removed their caps, and listened, hummed, or even sang along with the Star Spangled Banner. However, there was one person whose absence from standing was conspicuously noted, the 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. And that's when things got real.

Sick and Tired

• I'm sick of seeing innocent black men die. I'm sick of seeing innocent police officers die. I'm sick of these deaths not surprising me. I'm sick of people only seeming to care if the victim is on their "side." I'm sick that people think there are actually...sides.
• I'm tired of people saying we live in a post-racial world. What does that even mean? Yanno when we'll actually be in a post racial world? When everybody looks like Jesse Williams. We don't have to deny race to rid ourselves of racism. We just have to accept and embrace each others differences while realizing we have more in common than not.
• I'm sick of people blaming Barack Obama for race baiting. Really, are you serious? I'm sick of others saying Obama doesn't do enough for race relations. Do you realize the impossible position he is in? As he has said many times, he can't just be the black president, he has to be the President of the entire United States.
• I’m tired of people saying "comply with police officers and everything will be alright." If you’re reading this, you probably know me and know that I am a whiteboy. I’ve been pulled over numerous times in my driving life and while watching the officer approach my vehicle I’ve never once thought ‘Am I going to die today?’ It's not that way for everybody, but that's the way it SHOULD be.
• I'm sick of people stating on social media, "if you don't agree with what I have to say, then unfollow me." No, that's counterproductive; if you don't like what I have to say then engage me in a conversation. Maybe we can find some common ground and move forward, together.
• I'm tired of people thinking Pro-Black means Anti-White. I'm tired of people thinking Anti-Police Brutality means Anti-Police. I don't know about you, but I definitely have the capacity to see and understand the nuances involved.