With regard to the ongoing “spirited” discussion centering around the national anthem as performed at the McIntosh/Starr’s Mill basketball game on Feb. 2, 2010, I was intrigued with the recent comments offered by Glen Allen.

It seems Mr. Allen is in a position to recommend the removal of the president of the McIntosh High School Parent/Teacher/Student Organization for offering her opinion on this subject while also bashing the parenting skills of other letter writers (including their parents) who don’t happen to agree with him on this matter. He refers to them as “The Defenders.”

In his infinite wisdom, Mr. Allen also directs the principal of McIntosh High School to censure the offending students for their enthusiasm, demanding that such behavior never be repeated and that these brave and noble actions be confirmed in writing via The Citizen. Remarkable!

It is interesting to note that the same McIntosh High School students who allegedly “dissed” the anthem were also the same kids who stood and applauded a Starr’s Mill Down syndrome senior for his notable achievements during SM’s “Senior Night” award ceremony. I wonder if Carol Jenson-Linton and/or Glen Allen even recognize this fact?

It is sad that Mr. Allen chooses to attack others for opinions that don’t line up with his own. Perhaps he should consider writing a letter of apology to the students at McIntosh. It would be well received and certainly warranted.

J.D. Murphy
Peachtree City, Ga.