Not that it matters I suppose for your example but, Nolan is a fictional character and the short story, is a blend of fiction and historical fact.No, he was but on a ship and never was allowed to set foot in America again. He died on the ship and was buried at sea. He said he never wanted to see American and he got his wish. It is a true story.
The guys taking a knee aren’t renouncing America - they are trying to point out it’s flaws and make it better. I think this type of thinking was synopsized wonderfully by Senator Al Franken.
“If you listen to a lot of conservatives, they'll tell you that the difference between them and us is that conservatives love America and liberals hate America. ... They don't get it. We love America just as much as they do. But in a different way. You see, they love America like a 4-year-old loves his mommy. Liberals love America like grown-ups. To a 4-year-old, everything Mommy does is wonderful and anyone who criticizes Mommy is bad. Grown-up love means actually understanding what you love, taking the good with the bad and helping your loved one grow. Love takes attention and work and is the best thing in the world.
That's why we liberals want America to do the right thing. We know America is the hope of the world, and we love it and want it to do well.”