Share
Commentary

Kaep Got Betsy Ross Shoe Pulled, But He's Powerless to Stop This LEO Tribute Sneaker

Share

Colin Kaepernick and Nike may not want you to have access to a tennis shoe depicting the Betsy Ross flag, but that hasn’t stopped Americans from offering something just as patriotic.

Ron Slagle, a police officer and U.S. Air Force veteran, told the hosts of “Fox & Friends” that those who might have been interested in the Nike shoe would also be interested in his “Honor and Respect” sneaker.

According to Fox News, proceeds from the sale of his sneaker, a blue, black, and white tribute to men and women in law enforcement, will go to organizations such as Code 9 and Blue H.E.L.P., two groups that assist police officers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

His website’s “About Us” section details his desire to help his brothers and sisters in blue and the importance of community in his profession.

“I wanted to show the rest of the country that by doing something small with big love that you can make a difference.  In this profession you never accomplish anything without the help of others.”

The new sneaker can be ordered through Slagle’s website, Honor and Respect.

Slagle held nothing back on Kaepernick’s flag protest and objection to Nike’s patriotic sneaker, calling the former quarterback a “disgrace to the actual profession.”

Would you purchase a pair of Slagle's shoes?

He also hinted at Kaepernick’s seeming obsession to erase American history, whether good or bad.

“The Betsy Ross objection with the shoe for Nike translates into a loss of history,” Slagle said. “And I believe at times that’s the biggest loss we have is really knowing what the history about that is.”

Nike’s shoe, which is called the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July, was apparently too racist for Kaepernick and for reasons unknown, he had the power to kill its release.

It’s still difficult to comprehend Kaepernick’s thoughts that the American flag, whether the latest version or the 13-star version, are in any way “racist” or signify anything negative. If he wanted to boycott every object he could remotely connect to slavery, why isn’t he boycotting the one-dollar bill? George Washington owned slaves, right.

Slagle has a different take on what the American signifies.

Related:
LGBT Activism on the Ropes: 'No One Wants to Join That Team'

“The flag means freedom,” Slagle said. “The flag is a symbol of what we fought for and a lot of Americans are still fighting for today.”

Ultimately, Nike’s absurd decision may be for the best. At the very least, it’s provided people like Slagle the opportunity to support worthwhile organizations who are dedicated to helping our nation’s heroes.

 

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , ,
Share
Ryan Ledendecker is a former writer for The Western Journal.
Ryan Ledendecker is a former writer for The Western Journal.
Birthplace
Illinois
Nationality
American
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Science & Technology




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation