- The Washington Times - Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Sen. Ted Cruz says Nike is doing the world a favor by letting everyone know that shoes inspired by the Revolutionary War are off-limits in 2019.

The iconic shoe company’s relationship with left-wing activist Colin Kaepernick made national headlines against this week by dropping its Air Max 1 USA prior to the Fourth of July holiday.

Nike sided with the former NFL quarterback after he said its “Betsy Ross” flag might be considered offensive.

“It’s a good thing @Nike only wants to sell sneakers to people who hate the American flag,” Mr. Cruz tweeted. “@NFL #HappyFourth.”

The Texas Republican’s comment elicited a wide range of responses.

Some include:

  • “Nike is pulling American flag shoes, and they expect us to listen to their complaints about Trump’s China tariffs? It’s abundantly clear these multinational corporations have lost their loyalty to our country.”
  • “Your daughters hate you.”
  • “Aren’t Nike shoes made by slave labor?”
  • “That same American flag flying over our concentration camps right now? How about fixing the taint on our flag instead of deflecting to a shoe company.”
  • “Amazing how many professional athletes, who make all their money and fame based upon the opportunities America provides, hate America and the values that made her so much. Pathetic really.”

Nike’s decision also prompted Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to begin the process of revoking incentives via the Arizona Commerce Authority to build a manufacturing plant in the state.

“Nike has chosen not to release the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July as it featured the old version of the American flag,” a Nike spokeswoman told The Wall Street Journal on Monday.

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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