What a sad statement to have to hear that the UC Irvine student government considered removing the American flag from their lobby. As a vet, I fully support freedom of speech, but that freedom always comes at a cost. Our soldiers and nation deserve more than some student body making a mockery of the flag and the blood, sweat and the loss of life expended making sure that these freedoms exist, not to mention ensuring the flag that represents this nation flies or is displayed where people want it to be.

People come from around the world to this nation because it offers a quality of life and a quality of people without exception. It is rare that people come because their countries are so much better than ours. Is it that hard to show respect for what this nation does for people immigrating here?

Regarding freedom of speech, Id like to make this point: Soldiers lay down their lives for the flag, so maybe the university student body can stop accepting federal grants.

We are a great nation. Maybe a little respect for the flag for which it stands would not be too much to ask.

John Friske

Menifee

Liberals not to blame

After reading John W. Burns Liberals dragging down California [Letters, March 9], Ive come to the conclusion that he may need some assistance.

Burns complains that progressive liberals are dragging down the state. Perhaps he would feel better living in a state where folks share his conservative views. States like Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia or Alabama might be just right.

Never mind the fact that these states have some of the lowest levels of education and some of the most severe problems with their infrastructure, as well as some of the worst living conditions in the country.

See the rest here:

LETTERS: Disrespecting our veterans' sacrifices