National Football League players usually get the nation cheering and bring people together. Recently, however, there has been controversial behavior within the league. The importance of standing for the national anthem has been in question. Veterans, in particular, have been troubled by the seemingly disrespectful kneeling of players during the song. The behavior is viewed by many as self-serving.

I believe the reasons the players are kneeling have become blatantly lost and misplaced with an uproar over their physical posture. Protesting is their right, but that venue is not the place to effect true change. I defend my beliefs on the spot; I don’t wait for a public event to suddenly “take a knee” and demonstrate before a captive audience.

It seems that it would be far more effective if a football player used his celebrity to go to college campuses, for example, and speak about unity. Kneeling during the national anthem, to the contrary, seems to be ripping American unity apart.

I believe all Americans should communicate their views in ways that will truly change a situation for the better and not divide the nation.

Mack Whittier, Lewiston