A Montana man attacked a 13-year-old boy and fractured his skull for 'disrespecting' national...

Capt Gregory Prickett -If by "confronting" we mean physical assault, I agree completely. What this individual did is inexcusable in the extreme. My comment involves any attempt to frame his actions within the larger debate on rendering respect to the anthem.

Capt Gregory Prickett - I'm not trying to make a major case here. In this instance, clearly the perpetrator (because that's what he is) assaulted a child because he is a demented loser. My issue is that the article 'seems' (to me at least) to be desperately trying to connect dots that are not there in the interest of fueling exactly the debate we are now (politely) having.

You and I will disagree, in part, on this...because I feel that intentionally refusing to uncover, salute, stand, etc...etc when applicable (under 4 U.S. Code § 8) is a political statement. If someone is free to make that statement, someone else should be free to challenge it...provided they don't commit a crime in doing so.

Would I? Probably not. Frankly, I don't see wasting my time and risking an altercation because someone actually believes living in a nation with immense personal freedom, opportunity, and wealth is something to be ashamed of. Still, I don't think it is ethical, let alone a step in a positive direction, to blur the lines between true viciousness (a little nod to O.W. there)...and people who simply believe the flag is still worthy of respect.