America God Damn do I love this country. 

My country and (presumably) yours. 

As an American – I value you. Your thoughts, your contributions, your values. We likely differ on a number of issues – I’ve yet to find the human who thinks exactly the same as me. 
I’m here to tell you that I care about your voice all the same. If it weren’t for people who thought differently than me – and their willingness to continue speaking up – I wouldn’t be who I am today. 

What I’m afraid of is that I’ll stop listening. And that everyone else will too. Many already have. Maybe we’ll forget what it’s like to be one with everyone around you as a result of horror. Maybe we’ll forget how dramatically this country will allow you the freedom to change your life (in either direction). Maybe we’ll forget what it’s like to see another. 
So when I hear you say “Fuck Nike” – I promise to work to hear what you mean…which is (I assume) that you deeply value our military and specifically those who have lost their lives in service of our country. I do too. And I understand that you find failing to stand for our anthem disrespectful. I get that – I do. 

Here’s what I ask of you: to listen to what someone else is telling you as well. There is a reason they’ve chosen this media. There’s a reason you are UPSET by their decisions. Why are they (he) doing this? What are they (he) trying to tell me/us?
He’s trying to tell us a thing that isn’t recognized when peaceful protests go on in DC, or at city council meetings, or through activists lobbying Congress. We don’t hear him there. We don’t see him there. 
So few people in this country are willing to consider that people of color are treated disparately in this country that one of the ONLY reliable ways to bring attention to it is by doing so in a LOUD manner.
What’s loud enough to maybe make someone listen? Choosing not to stand during what Americans value: the national anthem during NFL games.
Why does this matter? Why should you care? Why even TRY to listen to someone who would act SO disrespectfully?

Bc you likely can’t name another person who tried to bring attention to this issue. This issue that affects so many people. For so many decades. That costs people their lives. That requires parents of children of color to teach them special ways to act in order to stay alive. 
Here. In America. 

I would never dare presume to know a Veteran’s opinions. Because each Veteran has their own set. But what I do presume…is that you would not like being told there is only one way to believe/act/raise children in this country. Only one voice to listen to. 

As such…I think we all have a responsibility to consider if our values need to be revisited….if not, then at least to consider why another person is speaking. And maybe – just maybe – to listen to understand what it is they have to say. 
Whether the topic is peaceful protest, corporate abuse and maltreatment of workers, animal cruelty, women’s reproductive health, responsible fiscal spending, our education system, or anything else – I will keep trying to listen. All I ask is that you try too. Because at the end of the day: you’re an American. And if we don’t embrace that, then others will leverage it as a wedge to divide us. Like they intended to 17 years ago. 
So on this anniversary – I promise you, as an American, that I will listen. With an intent to understand.