Let's show respect for U.S. flag

To the editor:

Some rather disgusting articles have been written recently, giving the impression that burning or otherwise desecrating the U.S. flag is a way of making use of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech. What a shame that even some supposedly educated individuals' thinking could become so twisted.

As one of our teachers correctly states, "It's not that piece of cloth in itself, but rather what it represents."

What would you think of a Christian who would disgrace the cross? What would you think of a Jew who would disgrace the star of David? I would be tempted to call such a person a traitor, guilty of being unfaithful to his religion.

Tens of thousands of our servicemen and women have laid down their lives on the battlefields in defense of what the American flag represents.

Fellow Americans, let's show the respect due our flag. We can voice any disapproval on matters in other and more respectful ways.

LEONARD A. KUEHNERT, Altenburg, Mo.