Details about the horrific elementary school shooting in Uvalde (Texas) continue to unfold, San Francisco Giants Gabe Kapler, manager, wrote Friday that he was “not okay” with the country’s current state and that he felt “like a coward” for failing to protest “the failure to deliver on the promise of our national anthem.”
Kapler, in blog post published Friday His lifestyle brand website stated that he regretted not protesting during Wednesday’s playing of the national song.
A gunman aged 18 killed 19 children and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on Tuesday. On May 14, an 18-year old gunman opened fire at a Buffalo supermarket, killing 10 people. Both gunmen were using AR-15-style assault rifles.
“When I was about the same age as Uvalde’s children, my father taught us to pledge allegiance to our country when we believed it was representing our people well. We could also protest and remain seated when we didn’t believe it was. Kapler wrote that she doesn’t believe the country is representing us well now.
“… I am participating in self-congratulatory glorifications of the country that has these mass shootings. As I walked out onto Uvalde’s field, I listened as the announcement was made. I bow my head. I stood for the national anthem. Metallica performed on City Connect guitars.”
Kapler stated that he wanted to make a gesture but was aware of the possibility of it being misinterpreted as offensive to veterans and military personnel.
“My brain told me to drop to a knee, but my body refused. Instead of walking back inside, I froze. I felt like a coward. I didn’t want anyone to notice me. I didn’t want the victims or their families to suffer.
“… “…But I am not okay the state of this nation. I wish my discomfort hadn’t compromised my integrity. I wish I could have shown my dad that protesting your country’s inequalities is a way to express dissatisfaction. This should be encouraged by the home of brave.
Kapler is one of many sports personalities who have made a name for themselves — including Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr, coach used their platforms These are just a few of the many pleas made over the past few days for help to end gun violence.
The social media teams from the Tampa Bay Rays New York Yankees collaborated in an effort to raise awareness about gun violence In the United States. The game saw the teams post identical facts and attributing where they got them to their combined 4.25million followers on Twitter.