Spotlight fell where it belongs

Despite the efforts of four fringe crazies from Kansas, Friday's funeral for Sgt. Randy Matheny was what it should have been. It was a time for family, friends and the community to mourn and honor a hometown boy who gave his life in the service of his country.

If not for dozens of uniformed law enforcement officers protecting them, most of us who gathered outside Memorial Auditorium wouldn't have known the demonstration was going on down the street. That was especially true because of the display of flags proudly flying from staffs held by members of the Patriot Guard, protecting mourners from even a glimpse of the outrageous slogans the "church" members carried, or the flags they dragged through the muddy streets.

The Patriot Guard was an impressive and imposing sight, especially when one considers the sacrifices of time and money each of its members made to make sure a young soldier received the honor he was due.

Ironically, the Kansas kooks owed their safety to the system they abuse, represented by officers who protected both the protesters and local patriots who might have let their emotions overcome self-restraint, had not the uniforms stood in the way. And, while we're sure the funeral would have been well-attended in their absence, we doubt members of the hate group realized just how large a patriotic backlash their protests would generate, at least the first few times they tried them.

At the end of the day, the spotlight remained focused where it should have been, on a proper tribute to the memory of Sgt. Randy Matheny, his accomplishments and his place in the hearts of his friends and loved ones.