LETTERS: Leave national anthem alone; Harmful prohibition; and more
Leave the anthem alone
I just got through reading the editorial [on the national anthem] by Wayne Langesen (Jan. 24). Here’s my opinion. Leave it alone! This issue has been going on for years now and I still prefer the “Star Spangled Banner” to any other choice.
What’s really a shame besides the different renditions that “celebrities” have given it, is the fact that only one verse of the anthem is ever sung, contrasted to other countries that sing their anthems in their entirety.
The anthem may have been written during a battle of the War of 1812, but it reflects the victory of that battle and the honor given to those who gave their lives in that battle as well as our current military. We are the home of the “free and the brave” and that should be remembered. Is it difficult to sing? Maybe so, but I will sing it (and I’m a bad singer to begin with). The words difficult? Please learn to read. Instead of picking “celebrities” to sing the anthem, have a local contest to chose someone to sing it. I’m sure they would give it the justice it deserves.
If it came to choosing another anthem, God forbid, I wouldn’t choose “America The Beautiful” but “God Bless America.”
Since people seem to have an aversion to singing a song in it’s entirety, the latter would be very easy since only one stanza and chorus is the entire song. I, for one, will ignore any anthem but the “Star Spangled Banner”.
Val Tenhaeff
Colorado Springs
‘Earned’ it the hard way
To all motor vehicle operators:
I really am so tired of people parking in handicapped parking spaces while not authorized to do so.
It is against the law. I see it wherever I try to find a handicapped space, which I am legally authorized to use.
I have “earned” it the hard way.
Be aware that a ticket will cost you approximately $100.
Inga Black
Colorado Springs
Lives ruined over a plant
To those who have spoken against the legalization of marijuana, I have just one question. Have you done any research on it? Marijuana is far from the drug we’ve perceived it to be in the past. The prohibition of it does more harm than good. Thousands of people go to prison or jail, thousands of lives are ruined over a plant.
I’ve heard people complain about the crime rate, yet we’ve outlawed something that is less harmful than alcohol, and are dumping millions of taxpayers’ money into something given to us by the creator. Please, think about why you’re outlawing something.
August Fall
Colorado Springs
Support The Dream Act
Re: “Immigrants make good U.S. soldiers,” Jan. 20:
I commend Wayne Laugesen and The Gazette for addressing the issue of immigration policy in a forthright and honest way.
He also brings to light that yes, “immigrants make good U.S. soldiers”. Our Latino citizen and noncitizen enlistees serve and have served honorably in the military through the years. Many have become Medal of Honor recipients. No one questioned their love of country or obligation to duty. Yet many, upon return to civilian life were still treated as second-class citizens. Thankfully, much of this has changed.
Wayne goes on to say we must find ways to fix our poorly written immigration policy and address the hot issue of “amnesty.” This word seems to close people’s ears to any possible compromise and is used by some legislators to appeal to that polarizing group. As Wayne states, we must get past this and find ways to for noncriminal illegal immigrants to become citizens. There is a way to start this process, get Congress to pass the Dream Act.
The Dream Act is legislation that allows young people (noncriminal) who were brought here illegally at 15 years or younger to gain citizenship. Two years of attending college or serving in the military would make them eligible for permanent resident status.
This is one small way to start working on solutions to the immigration issue. We can make this happen as a caring community.
David C. Vasquez
Colorado Springs
