Standing for the national anthem

Why I stand for the national anthem - because in this country, we don't have to. We have the right (and the obligation) to make our voices heard when we think we need to. I respect our institutions even when some are not worthy of them. I also respect and support those who see the need to protest. 

These two ideas can exist together.  The American reality is that we can express our opinions and work to change things that are wrong or unjust - that is what makes us strong. That reality is why many others around the world still want to join us.  Authoritarianism has no place here.

Just remember that you may have to fight to preserve those rights, because some who say they believe in them want to take them away.  To their way of thinking, those rights only belong to those who look and act and believe like them. So stand up (or kneel) for what you believe in. Keep fighting.