Respect for flag is about principles of nation

We're Americans. Since when do we "sit down and shut up" (or in this case, stand) because our leader, or patriotism, commands? When my husband, a Gulf War vet, instructs our children to show respect for the flag, he does not mean that they must stand and salute under all circumstances (although, any dictator would require such deference as a prerequisite for patriotism). Rather, he expects us to always stand up for the principles the flag represents -- including liberty and justice for ALL.

If it's those American principles we're saluting, then why are the same people who'll proudly wave their "Don't Tread on Me" flags also calling NFL players "unpatriotic" for their attempt to draw attention to unequal justice under the law?

As we celebrate the sacrifice and successes of the Little Rock Nine on this anniversary, perhaps we should ask ourselves why we still condemn people of color who dare to request (or expect) equal justice for all.

In the United States of America, who's truly more patriotic, the men who kneel during our national anthem to draw attention to injustice in society, or those who demand that they stand and salute?

Katie Wood

Berryville

Post office in Springdale

needs some attention

From the mayor on down, there is an ongoing effort to spruce up downtown Springdale. And it shows. Congrats to all.

And then there's the downtown U.S. Post Office. Unswept, unkept, grass growing over the sidewalk and the whole front of the building screams for attention. The whole place is just shabby.

Who is the local post office manager? Why doesn't he/she care?

Wayne Gisler

Springdale

Commentary on 10/01/2017

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