It seems we have come to a point in time in our Country where some citizens believe that license is Liberty and anarchy is to be equated with Freedom. Freedom and Liberty are precious words that conjure up hope in the hearts of many people (as witness the recent events in China).The inalienable right to Freedom and Liberty can only be held and retained by a responsible citizenry that acts on principle, practices self-control, and is willing to be held responsible for their actions.

It is indeed a very sad day for this Country when the Supreme Court of the land must uphold the "right" of those who are obviously only interested in cheap theatrics in order to draw attention to themselves that they might be seen and heard. It is sadder still when the media gives them so much coverage. These people may have the "right" to participate in these vulgar displays and make spectacles of themselves, but it doesn’t make what they are doing .........RIGHT!!!

When I first came to Hawaii some 30 years ago as a young sailor serving my country, I wrote this "Ode to the Flag". I still feel the same way about it today as I did then.

 

ODE TO OLD GLORY

 

What is It up in the air I see,
That’s flying so straight and so true for me.

A respecter of freedom way up in the sky,
A symbol of life a reason to die.

Defender of homeless without thought of gain,
For her, those who died, have they all died in vain?

There she stands alone and brave,
Unfurled proud on a wondrous wave.

 How could we let her down so much?
Why do we stain her with our touch?

Will we live to see her fall,
Tattered and torn, giving her all?

God forbid that I should live past
The time that this terrible die is cast.

I’d rather it be that when I should die,
That the very last thing I see flying on high

Would be the blue field and all of It’s stars,
The six white stripes and the seven red bars.

 

SHAME, SHAME ON THOSE WHO WOULD TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THAT WHICH MEANS SO MUCH TO SO MANY!!!

Yours For Old Glory,
George H. Anderson Jr
George H. Anderson Jr.