To the editor:

As a student currently studying American history, I’d like to comment on the April 30 column “Singing of anthem requires right hand over heart.” The article reads, “In a nation built on the foundations of free speech and freedom of religion, Americans can decline from following such protocols if they choose.”

Why is it that if people do choose to abide by that statement, they are questioned for their actions? I believe that just because someone like Obama chooses to use the freedom that we as a nation were given in 1776, this doesn’t mean we can hold that against him.

I, for one, am going to focus on the bigger issues in this political campaign, so that as a nation we stand the best chance of a bright future, including upholding such rights.

Natalie Wilkins,

Lawrence