Chas:

I served my country in Naval Aviation for more than four years and I did it voluntarily. I was raised during WWII and patriotism was instilled into each of us. We were encouraged to collect scrap metal, rubber and other vital materials that could be "re-purposed" for military use. You are 100 percent correct to assume I have philosophical leanings and love my country very much.

Regarding the NFL Players who refuse to stand and respect the National Anthem... a significant number of them are of African-American Heritage... and I would think that they, of all people would understand what that flag and it's anthem mean. The Yankee Troops that fought and died in the hundreds of thousands paid for the freedom of their ancestors. Despite the fact that they were defeating my ancestors, I love that flag and anthem and would have given my life for my country if that had been required on our patrols in the Pacific from Midway to Adak to keep Russian Bombers from making an "end-run."

I respect your right... and the right of anyone to protest peacefully... but that does not include the right to dis-respect our Nation if one expects to derive the rights and privileges enjoyed from that citizenship.

As I agreed, my friend from Georgia... this topic would have been better placed in "the Bar." Just as there are fine folks in "West Mayberry"... there must be an even greater number of fine folks there in Roswell. My purpose is peace... and this topic has nothing to do with music. We are all entitled to our viewpoints and I do not believe "salsaman" intended insult or harm. If I misjudged his purpose, I apologize.

Fides-non-timet...

----Dave