It's time to play national anthem as we prepare

To the editor:

As I was driving home one night, a radio talk-show host said, "Put your hand on your heart" as he began playing "The Star-Spangled Banner." My mind flashed back to a high school basketball game. The starters from each team were gathered at center court, and our high school band was playing the national anthem. We had already discussed team strategy for offense and defense and our opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Since the previous game, each practice was designed to prepare us for this particular opponent. The national anthem always got me pumped just before a game. I didn't know a lot about other nations, but I did know that many were using force to make their own people stay and that millions of these people wanted to be Americans.

The national anthem is playing again. It's not a game anymore. Our opponents don't play by any rules. The only crimes we're accused of are practicing the wrong religion and standing against the destruction of Israel. The whole world is sitting in the stands watching. Many other countries are on my team. The goal of these terrorists is to kill us, and they will gladly lose their own lives doing it. I realize that the future of this country and even freedom itself are at stake. Instead of having a center-court jump, half way through "The Star-Spangled Banner" my opponents turn out the lights.

BOB HILL JR.

Cape Girardeau