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Ex-CIA Director Brennan Defends NFL Protests, Says Trump Should Focus on Puerto Rico
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-cia-director-brennan-defends-nfl-protests-says-trump-should-n806281<snip>
Former CIA Director John Brennan on Saturday defended football players who take a knee during the national anthem in what they say is a protest of racial inequality, and seemed to suggest President Donald Trump's focus on the issue is misplaced.
"Taking a knee during the national anthem shows respect for the flag and for all those who fought and died for it and, at the same time, concern about problems within American society that need to be addressed,” Brennan said in a statement released by former deputy chief of staff Nick Shapiro.
"Pejorative and caustic comments about the practice show a disregard for one of the most important foundational principles of our great nation — freedom of expression — as well as ignorance of the corrosive impact of conscious and unconscious racial and class bias within our society," Brennan said.
Trump on Saturday interrupted a string of tweets defending the federal response in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico by posting: "Very important that NFL players STAND tomorrow, and always, for the playing of our National Anthem. Respect our Flag and our Country!"
