Ruth Bader Ginsburg Apologizes For Criticizing National Anthem Protesers

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become a bit of a folk hero to part of the population over the past few years. The Notorious RBG is the favored Supreme Court Justice of liberals these days, but she ruffled some feathers this week. On Monday, we learned that she called the Colin Kaepernick-led protest of the national anthem “dumb and disrespectful.” On Friday she quickly backtracked from that stance.

In a statement issued by the court, Ginsburg said the following:

"“Some of you have inquired about a book interview in which I was asked how I felt about Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players who refused to stand for the national anthem. Barely aware of the incident or its purpose, my comments were inappropriately dismissive and harsh. I should have declined to respond.”"

It’s fair of her to acknowledge she didn’t understand the protest originally, but it’s also fair to say she shouldn’t have responded if that was the case.

Here is what she had to say about the protests initially:

"“I think it’s really dumb of them. Would I arrest them for doing it? No. I think it’s dumb and disrespectful. I would have the same answer if you asked me about flag burning. I think it’s a terrible thing to do, but I wouldn’t lock a person up for doing it. “I would point out how ridiculous it seems to me to do such an act. But it’s dangerous to arrest people for conduct that doesn’t jeopardize the health or well-being of other people. It’s a symbol they’re engaged in.”"

The 83-year-old Ginsburg recently apologized for public comments about Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as well.

Ginsburg’s record shows she’s a fierce advocate for free speech and the right to protest, which made her initial comments fairly shocking. It was probably only a matter of time until she reversed her stance.