To Stand or to Kneel - Pro-Con: What has causes this Great Divide?

As-Salaam-Alaikum,

Last Sunday, a number of NFL players and some owners, decided, as a form of "protest", to kneel, while the National Anthem was being played, ostensibly, to bring attention to racial inequality, but more than likely, as a protest to President Trump's derisive comments.

I for one, do not consider his remarks, racist, but I decry his characterization of those who have taken their position, as "SOBs". However, the athletes must understand, that there exists, a tacit agreement between them, the league and the fans, that they are to display public respect for the flag, when the National Anthem is being played. And, I feel, they need to really ask themselves, "what is the possible, positive outcome, from their 'activism'? If things are that bad, with the police and criminal justice system, will this solve anything? Or, are we to expect a plethora of "conversations"? Maybe, Hillary Clinton will once again, chime in with her "white people need to learn to listen to black people", mantra. I wonder if she includes the "Super Predators"?

I will say, though, when these athletes, have committed no crime, are referred to as traitors, even deserving of deportation or even death, I think it's safe to say, "what we have here, is a failure to communicate" - with critical logic.

Let us be clear, the U.S. Code mandates that we as citizens, are duly-bound to show public respect for the flag, when the Anthem is being played (http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#175), so, it stands to reason, athletes are no exception. And let's face it, even if the grievances were legitimate, NO WAY, a member of the armed forces, would choose to articulate them, in that manner. 

Then, there are the politicians, who have decided to kneel - but not while The Anthem is being played.

Tax Reform, good or bad?