Stop bringing up your time in the military at every possible opportunity. It's awkward and no one cares. Also you're like 45. #FederalConsultingProblems

Careful now, you're hitting a little close to home.

How is it awkward? It's their life and it actually matters (they help keep our country safe). Care to expound why you're so bothered by it?

@OP - you are embarrassing. I care plenty and if someone wants to talk about their service so much the better. A little compassion would go a long way for someone who has changed their whole life.

If they were willing to take a bullet to protect my freedom, they can ramble on about whatever they want for all I care

Woah woah woah! The correct response is to parrot "thank you for your service"

Prior military, I don't bring it up by the way, ever, unless someone asks about it, but I know the type.

OP is a jerk

A taste of irony: I recently received a bunch of hate on FB for supporting Keapernick's protest, yet here I am defending our veterans. Is it possible to..do.. both? *gasps*

@C1 Way off topic, but I don't see it that way (former Marine) because that's not what he's trying to do. I think what he's doing is misguided and takes the focus away from the problem at hand. As has been the case with many of these protest actions (the whole gamut, from kneeling during the national anthem, blocking highways, inner city protest vandalism, shooting/running over police, etc) is just pissing people off and not helping to foster a dialogue.

You don't care OP because you don't know about them. Have little respect!

MLK = Martin Luther King, Jr. My bad. Anyway, gonna drop this quote in here as a response @K1

Letter from Birmingham Jail (ext)

By Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., 16 April 1963

"First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action;" who paternalistically feels he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a "more convenient season."

Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."

That is their experience. They should be proud of it.

Well... I think history shows us that blacks had to make people uncomfortable to get basic human rights. I believe the national anthem protest is powerful because you can't avoid it - plus like I said these are the same methods MLK used. Also it's frustrating when I see people debate his methods when those same critics aren't doing anything about the substance of the protest...Ultimately my impression is certain (CERTAIN) white folk would prefer quiet over peace.. Really I agree with the aforementioned MLK Jr. Quote is what I'm saying.

@C1, why wouldn't that be possible?

If you're bringing it up at work, and it is productive/contributes to the situation (or just a cool story outside of work), then fine. If it is not situationally appropriate, then I get not wanting it always brought-up.

@C1 because the common argument has been that kneeling during the anthem = disrespect to US troops. On FB and elsewhere.

@K1**

What did MLK do @K1?

Also.. What protesters have shot at and run over police?

There were shots fired at police in Ferguson and Dallas during protests. The situation with with the guy in AZ trying to run over police, not a traditional protestor per se, but definitely was trying to send a message.