Letters: Why can't Giordano understand Kaepernick's methods?

I'M REALLY trying to wrap my head around why columnist Dom Giordano has such a problem understanding the actions of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Here is a noted man of color who has chosen a visual, nonviolent mode of protest to continue to bring to the forefront that, yes, America is still the ongoing, systemic racist country it has always been and will continue to be, as long as the old boys' network that Dom seems to be a member of remains.

As long as people of color go along with the status quo, they are perceived as good little minorities.

I support Kaepernick whole-heartedly, as I ceased to stand for the American flag or national anthem when I entered junior high school. And, like Kaepernick, I was chastised and condemned. And I still don't stand to give respect to a flag or country that has no respect for the lives of me and mine.

I bet Giordano doesn't sweat bullets worrying whether the police are going to allow his son or nephew to return home alive.

And until he can walk a mile in any black man's shoes, he needs to stop being so judgmental.

C.M. Parns

Conshohocken, Pa.

Isn't it wonderful that reader and letter-writer Jack Cassidy and I served militarily (Vietnam, Airborne/Infantry, Tet Offensive, 1968) so that he and Colin Kaepernick can peacefully express their opinions in accordance with the First Amendment.

This, I would venture to say, includes his right (in print) to wonder about Kaepernick's contribution to solving the problems of our system.

For all Cassidy doesn't know, Kaepernick may have made contributions that he absolutely has no clue about.

Cassidy chose the path of nonconstructive criticism, rather than giving Kaepernick the benefit of the doubt.

Isn't it wonderful that we can do that in print without fear of going to jail or facing a firing squad.

I, too, don't necessarily agree with Kaepernick's mode of protest, but I would defend to the death his right to do so.

Steffen "Steve" Boyd

Philadelphia

Opposition to soda industry 'repugnant'

Regarding the beverage industry's opposition to Mayor Kenney's soda tax: His statement that "it is repugnant that the multibillion-dollar soda industry would try to take away these educational and community programs from the thousands of Philadelphians who need them" is in itself very repugnant.

How dare he blame private industry for not funding public programs. The reason these programs have gone unfunded is because politicians such as Kenney, at both the city and state levels, are too incompetent, dishonest and ignorant to properly allocate existing tax revenue.

Check out the DROP program, then explain why the soda industry should fund needed programs in the city. Check out the oversized and underworked state and city governments, and explain why there is no funding for your programs that you say Coke and Pepsi should pay for.

Check out the recent audit done by your own city controller that shows the wasted money your city spends on a daily basis, and tell me the money for these programs isn't already there.

What a disgrace. Stop the stupidity, Mayor Kenney, look in the mirror, and find the money yourself for these "much needed" programs.

William A. Thorpe

Oaks, Pa.

Byko's 'hate curve'

Regarding Stu Bykofsky's column, "Examining the hate curve for GOP, Dems" of last week:

I'll tell you what would be nice! Not grouping me in with the racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, Marxist, immoral, gunophobic, unpatriotic.

An atheist believes in science. What is wrong with that? I have more morals than the phonies who go to church and then break all their rules, or, worse, break the law.

I don't need a pastor or priest to tell me right from wrong. My parents did a good job of that, and I can be a good person with good morals on my own.

Atheists are not bad people who should be put in this group. I think that not believing in fairy tales or magic men in the sky actually makes us smarter.

Steven Hulmes

Philadelphia

Can't make this up

A charter-school executive was to be prosecuted by the feds for allegedly stealing millions. During that time, her husband was on the City's Ethics Board.

At the Republican National Convention, Chris Christie wanted Hillary Clinton locked up over her email issues. Now, his emails are being requested regarding the Bridgegate investigation.

District Attorney Seth Williams prosecuted various political individuals for accepting unreported gifts/bribes. But he failed to report over $160,000 in "gifts from friends."

Another charter-school executive was a defendent in a large sexual harassment case, while also a member of the city's Committee on Human Relations.

Mayer Krain

Philadelphia