Now that football season is upon us, the issue of kneeling during the national anthem has come up again. Here’s my take on this issue: I am a proud American of Japanese ancestry who served our country during the Vietnam War as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, 1970-1974.

After Pearl Harbor, Japanese-Americans were rounded up and divested of all our possessions, denied the means of livelihood, placed in prison and denied our constitutional rights.

This happened very easily because there was no one in a position of power to step forward and speak up for us. We were helpless.

Colin Kaepernick, a professional football player, is speaking out for all people who are being assassinated on the streets and in other ways denied their constitutional rights. He is publicizing this extreme violation of civil rights because he is someone in the position of power. He is stepping up.

He is a voice of reason pointing out to all of us fellow Americans what is happening to minorities. I wish he had been alive to speak up for us when we were interned.

Jerald Satoru Takesono

Kaneohe

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