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McCook Gazette
Letter to the Editor

Hand over heart

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Dear Editor,

This is in regards to Mike Hendrick's column Saturday, Jan. 19, regarding the stories circulating about Barrack Obama and his reference to the picture of Obama holding his hands at his side.

Mr. Hendrick's column stated and I quote: "The message underneath the photo asks how anyone could think about voting for someone for President who refuses to place his hand over his heart while the Pledge is being recited, not to mention refusing to recite the pledge too.

"The problem is that the photo wasn't taken during the Pledge of Allegiance. It was taken during the playing of the National Anthem. Most of us place our hands over our hearts when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance; most of us don't when we sing the National Anthem"

I cannot comment on Mr. Hendrick's upbringing but I can assure you that I was brought up to place my hand over my heart BOTH reciting the Pledge of Allegiance AND during the playing or singing of the National Anthem, and we have brought our own children up that way also.

Attending MANY sporting events over the last four years, we have also been proud to see our oldest son teach his own 4-year-old daughter to place her hand over her heart during the playing of the National Anthem also.

We do so not only out of respect for the country that we live in and love, but also to pay homage to the history that the flag stands for, i.e., that the "Land of the Free" was paved with the heart, soul, dedication and blood of the men and women who provide and provided through the decades the very blanket of Freedom that we sleep under at night. So when we place our hand over our heart during the National Anthem, it is a sign that we remember why this nation is called "The Land of the Brave" It may not seem significant to you Mr. Hendricks when you cast your vote, but it certainly is to us. Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,

Debra Cappel,

McCook

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  • Amen! I want someone representing me at the top of the helm doing exactly as our forefather's taught us. Respecting our country and it's people. If this also means to "cry" in public and being a woman, then so be it! Mr. Obama definitely isn't going to get my vote, not just because he doesn't "respect" our country, but because he's proven that he is not a TRUE American.

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Thu, Jan 24, 2008, at 1:26 PM

  • I'll double 'Amen' your comments about hand over heart. May I add yet another time, it used to be taught, of placing the hand over the heart when the flag passes by, as in a parade, or whatever.

    Mr Obama does have the right not to honor our flag, or anthem. We have the right not to vote for a person who does not honor our flag, or anthem.

    Thank you for your comments Debra. I stand with you.

    Arley W. Steinhour USN(Retired), (proud of this country and what it stands for).

    -- Posted by Navyblue on Thu, Jan 24, 2008, at 5:28 PM
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