... and the American flag at sporting events is all too common even if not politically motivated. Whatever happened to standing at attention, putting your hand over your heart and even singing along when the National Anthem is played?

These days, about the only sporting events I attend are Cal football games, but it always irritates me to see people continuing to walk up and down the aisles, talk loudly, eat hot dogs or whatever while the National Anthem is being played. If someone near me is doing it, I often say something.

I support that young lady's right to hold her own views on the subject of war in Iraq (and other issues), but find is disgraceful that she turns her back on the flag. There are other, less offensive, ways of expressing disagreement with governmental policies.

It is also ironic that the veteran who carried an American flag onto the court was thrown out of the arena.

Perhaps someday, when she grows up, this young person with look back with shame -- or at least chagrin -- at what she was doing.

BTW, James, it appears that she has the support of her parents, if not the student bodies at Mount St. Mary's and the Merchant Marine Academy!

----- jim o\-S