Let me start by getting this straight. I believe it is truly important that people stand up for what they believe in. After all, aren’t we supposed to “be the change we want to see in the world”?

However, I also believe there is a fine line between protest and disrespect, and the recent acts by many professional athletes to kneel during the national anthem have clearly crossed that line.

Our flag not only represents liberty and justice for all, but it is also a reminder of all those who have risked their lives for our freedom, including those who have died fighting for the flag. By kneeling for our national anthem, athletes and coaches are abandoning these brave warriors.

I’m not saying that everyone should agree with the issues society faces or with the comments our president makes, especially when Donald Trump starts up with his tweets. However, kneeling for our national anthem is not the appropriate way to voice your opinion on the subject.

By belittling the National Anthem, these “protesters” are doing the exact opposite of what our country needs at this time: ripping us apart from within. As we deal with multiple natural disasters, race issues, and threats from foreign nations, the last thing we need is our multi-millionaires tearing apart our dear country from the inside-out.

That does not mean their voices should be silenced, either. Instead, these athletes need to find a better way to voice their opinions. Kneeling for the national anthem is not only introducing an unnecessary rush of politics in sports, but if kept up could have serious effects on the league, considering many people, including Donald Trump, are calling for a “boycott of the NFL” as long as the protests continue.

No matter the case, all American athletes should stand for our national anthem and respect all 80 words of the glorious song. So please, stand up and find a more respectful way to voice your opinion.