Letters to the editor July 9
In a recent letter to the editor, a writer says it’s OK to take a knee during rendering of the National Anthem. She implies it’s no slight to veterans and others who’ve served their country, and doesn’t violate any laws.
Sorry, lady, but as a veteran I find such behavior offensive (is that the right usage?) and take it as a personal slap in the face. You can spin the supposed purpose of taking a knee anyway you want; but at the end of the day, bottom line, you’ve still dissed all that the flag and anthem represent.
This may be inconvenient to your position, but look at 36 U.S. Code S 301. National Anthem:
(a) designation — The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct during playing — During a rendition of the national anthem
(1)when the flag is displayed
(a) relates to military
(b) relates to military and veterans
(c) All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
You might ask a veteran “what’s the big deal?” To paraphrase the late, great Louie Armstrong who, when asked what jazz is, famously replied “if you have to ask what jazz is, you will never know.” If you have to ask why the flag and anthem are special to veterans, you’ll never know!
I’m all for people having the right to peacefully protest, and to express their thoughts about how the republic should be run... that’s democracy. But some venues are sacred.
As an athlete, if you really want to make a statement, wait until everybody is on the field ready to go, when the opposing quarterback receives the first snap, then you and your cohorts drop down and take a knee. You’ll get all kinds of meaningful attention and feedback, guaranteed!
—L.D. Gross, Bigfork
I was disgusted and ashamed when I read the letter written by Bob Williams of North Carolina. He visited Kalispell with others in June and they respected all of us by wearing masks and practicing safe distancing. They were repeatedly insulted and verbally accosted.
Have people completely lost their minds? I wish I had been nearby to offer Mr. Williams and his friends my sincere apologies for such behavior from our residents. I suppose the hateful ones thought of themselves as good Americans.
NOT!
It’s a health and safety issue, not a political statement. Please think.
I hope the Inter Lake will pass along my sincere regrets and let him know most of us do not share that hate and sincerely appreciate their visit.
—Carole Reeves, Kalispell
Over Father’s Day, 14 Black people were killed in Chicago, including a 3-year-old boy in his dad’s car and a 13-year-old girl watching TV with her mom. Dozens were also wounded in this war zone.
Do these Black lives matter?
Where’s Rev. Al, and the Black Lives Matter protesters? Did anyone hear the names of these black folks who left grieving parents?
Perhaps there’s no money to be made there in Chicago. When will major news start to spend some time there and report those Black lives that matter? Maybe the government should check into the Black Lives Matter leaders and see what is really going on.
— Dale Terrillion, Proctor
On the Fourth I had the pleasure of celebrating our independence at the Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge. The gathering was essentially a private party with advance tickets required. Wonderful job by the staff of Northern Lights keeping social distancing a real thing. An epic night of music by local legends, Engine 99, had all ages dancing and most importantly smiling and forgetting the reality of the virus.
Even though the venue had multiple signs stating NO DOGS there is a segment of our population that must not be able to read. There were at least a dozen hounds of different breeds and sizes running around all night getting into food and being a problem.
I am 76 years old and love to shake my old buns dancing to live music. Because of medical problems I use a cane for balance and to keep people at a safe distance away. My cane is also a tool to keep dogs from knocking me over and I have no problem using it in an aggressive manner. A woman got in my face – like 2 inches away – for giving her dog (remember No DOGS allowed) a quick reminder to stay away.
My personal belief is children are taught responsibility by their parents, and then do the same for their children. When I grow up, I would like to understand current world.
In all honesty, I must admit that I had my golden-doodle Hank at the venue from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hank has an intelligence greater than all of the canines mentioned above put together. He is well-trained and was on leash. At the appropriate time Hank swallowed a veterinarian prescribed sedative and took a long nap in the truck – he really did not care since he is not fond of Grateful Dead music or fireworks.
A big shout out to the Northern Lights Saloon and Engine 99 for a wonderful evening of fun and celebration. This is the first letter to the editor I have ever written in my 33 years in the Flathead Valley.
Hopefully, dog owners read, and heed, and non-dog owners will tell them if they don’t.
Stay smart – Stay apart.
—Jim “Jimbo” Lackey, East Flathead Valley