Bill:  I find motivation extremely important.  My favorite example comes from Own Wister's "The Virginian" when the Virginian wins a poker hand from the antagonist and the guy calles him a "Son of a B$#%%" (think of what Trump called the players).  The Virginian responds "Smile when you sad that."  The point is simple: If you are kidding and mean no insult....no big deal.  If, on the other hand, an insult is intended, it IS a big deal.  

The "take a knee" players made it very clear no insult to our nation was intended.  To me that is very, very important.  To me, the real meaning behind a person's action is extremely important.  Gary Crum