Colin Kaepernick has made some serious waves in the media this year, after he refused to stand for the National Anthem during a NFL football game. Kaepernick received mixed reviews for his was of standing up against oppression, but now he has stated to Sports Illustrated that it would be “hypocritical” for him to vote.

Kaepernick stated to Sports Illustrated, “You know, it would be hypocritical of me to vote. I said from the beginning I was against oppression, I was against the system of oppression. I’m not going to show support for that system. And to me, the oppressor isn’t going to allow you to vote your way out of your oppression”.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has been one of many to voice his disapproval of Kaepernick’s actions in regards to the National Anthem. Trump stated, “I think it’s personally not a good thing, I think it’s a terrible thing. And, you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try, it won’t happen,” reported Sports Illustrated.

While this decision to not stand for the National Anthem may not be favorable by Trump, It is slowly becoming less taboo within the NFL, as wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Evans refused to stand for the Anthem to show his disapproval of Trump winning this year’s presidential election, Sports Illustrated reported.

I wrote an article a few weeks ago showing my own disapproval of Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the National Anthem and now it seems people, like Mike Evans, are using it as a way to protest other issues they disapprove.

Not standing for the National Anthem, regardless of what “stance” you are making, is disrespectful. It really is not a matter of standing for the President, like everyone seems to argue over. Standing for the Anthem is standing for your country and the values it is founded upon. Sure, love or hate the President, but you are still a member of this country.

As far as Kaepernick not voting, I have to argue that it is a little lame of him to not vote. But, I see why he was against voting for a candidate within this current presidential election. He stated at one point during this election in regards to the first presidential debate, that the debate was watching Clinton and Trump, “debate who’s less racist”, stated Sports Illustrated.

I understand why he didn’t vote and I can also see why he thinks that voting would be hypocritical of him. In some ways, I suppose it would be, since he is in a way calling out the government for the racial injustices he sees. I mean, I see it, but I do not completely agree with it.

By him not voting, he is in no way helping the situation that he is upset by. He could have voted for the candidate that he felt had the most ability to change the racial issues that he dislikes. While I understand that he did not vote due to his current views on the country and the government that runs it. But, the only way that he can influence change within the government is by voting.

As far as voting for this election, I see why he didn’t vote. Both Trump and Clinton said some things that they probably should not have and due to Kaepernick’s current stance on the country, I am frankly not surprised he did not vote. He is absolutely not the only one. It was truly like choosing between the better of two evils, but you know what, a choice still had to be made.

By not voting, Kaepernick missed the opportunity to not only influence the presidential election but he could have also voted for other positions within his state, that might have had a better outlook on the things that Kaepernick wishes to change.

Change does not begin by standing by or not voting because it is “hypocritical.” Sure, I get it and if he feels that not voting is the best way to approach a bad situation, then fine by me. But, not standing for the Anthem realistically is not going to change anything, but voting does have the ability to influence change.

As for voting in this election, I really do see both sides of the argument. But, outside of the presidential election, not really. Kaepernick might not be a fan of the things currently going on in this country and he certainly is not the only one, but if he does not like it, he needs to take true action.