Presidential Candidates Support Nike’s Decision To Drop Betsy Ross Shoes
Democratic presidential hopefuls Robert “Beto” O’Rourke and Julian Castro both announced that they fully support Nike’s recent decision to drop the sales of their latest sneakers featuring the Betsy Ross flag. Retail stores were ordered to return the shoes to Nike just days before the Independence Day celebration after former quarterback Colin Kaepernick criticized the flag calling it offensive.
Julian Castro told CBS News, “I was glad to see that. And my hope is that they didn’t just do it to do it. They understand the significance there. And look, there are a lot of things in our history that are still very painful,” Castro said. “The Confederate Flag that still flies in some places, and is used as a symbol. And I believe we need to move towards an inclusive America that understands that pain.
.@JulianCastro: I was glad to see Nike pull the Nike Betsy Ross American flag shoes.
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) July 3, 2019
"There are a lot of things in our history that are still very painful. The Confederate flag that still flies in some places and is used as a symbol..."https://t.co/Z33XXb8GPS pic.twitter.com/ezf3TVIw9Q
The same Betsy Ross flag was used at Obama’s inauguration in 2013, and no one had a problem with it!
That Betsy Ross flag sure fell out of fashion quickly. (Photo: 2nd Obama inaugural, 2013) pic.twitter.com/8xg8xCPLXb
— David Martosko (@dmartosko) July 3, 2019
Beto O’Rourke gave his opinion about Nike’s decision on Wednesday: “I think its really important to take into account the impression that kind of symbol would have for many of our fellow Americans, respect the decision Nike made and grateful for the conversation [that it is provoking].”
Answering questions from media, Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke says he supports the decision from @Nike to remove shoe with “Betsy Ross” flag. @FoxNewsMMR pic.twitter.com/K9UCS3cgX7
— Mitti Hicks (@MittiMegan) July 3, 2019
Even the Governor of California praised Nike for doing the “right thing.” Governor Gavin Newson tweeted: “Hey, @Nike — we’re just a quick jaunt over the border… Thank you for doing the right thing. CA is open for business and welcomes those that represent the best of our American values.”
Hey, @Nike — we’re just a quick jaunt over the border...
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 3, 2019
Thank you for doing the right thing. CA is open for business and welcomes those that represent the best of our American values. pic.twitter.com/dLN7EuYBFS
These three men were all speaking about Nike — the same company that employs workers (mostly women) in Viet Nam, paying them only 20 cents an hour and forcing them to work 70-80 hours a week.
Just so I'm clear: These factory workers (which are 80% female) are making NIKE's for 20 cents an hour and working 70 to 80 hours a week, so NIKE can profit enough to pay Colin Kaepernick millions to speak out against oppression and injustice? pic.twitter.com/8NqVVxrl9G
— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) September 5, 2018
Do you agree that it’s time to boycott Nike for life?! And how do you feel about presidential candidates Castro and O’Rourke?