Professional athletes: What, exactly, are you protesting?

This is not about a right to peacefully protest-- which we all ought to respect. I'm genuinely seeking here to understand what and why people are protesting-- inviting respectful conversation.

NFL Friends:

(1) How have you been deprived? Under this Flag you've attained the pinnacle of the American dream.

(2) Why do we not regard the NFL's 70% black population as racism (hugely disproportionate)? [LINK]

(3) If it's specifically about institutionalized violence against blacks, ought we not consider:

a- A change from Democrat to Republican leadership? "America's ten most dangerous cities—as measured by federal crime statistics—have one highly notable feature in common: All are led politically by Democratic mayors." [LINK]

b- An honest and sober consideration of the facts regarding police violence? Police violence against black men is not as common as one may think. [LINK]

c- Recognition of black-on-black crime? [LINK]

d- The intentional, strategic killing of blacks through abortion-- which is substantially supported by one Party? [LINK]

(4) If the increased incidence of protest is politically motivated "because Trump is racist": Why has he hosted other championship teams at the White House? Is there not room for appropriate, free speech by the President of the United States for the Flag he's pledged to defend... and invoking whatever penalties for going against an NFL rule?

We can't disregard very important problems-- but these will not be addressed by reducing everything to a political, ahem, football. It makes no sense to disparage the very thing you rely upon. As Churchill stated:

“Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…”

The most sensible words come from a Saint (of the New Orleans variety): "It's not a skin problem, it's a sin problem." (Benjamin Watson)

We fight "not against flesh and blood...." (Eph. 6). Let's not get distracted people! The only Answer was revealed in Acts. 2: people of every nation and tongue were united in the Holy Spirit. There's no other way. This is real power to heal, transform and unite.

Veni Sancte Spiritus!