It's a wonderful country we live in.

If this idiot had said something similar in, say, Russia, he would probably be in prision now.  Same with the people who burn flags on the steps of Federal buildings nationwide (except they'd likely be dead).  People in China who protested the razing of their homes to build the Olympic complex were either imprisioned or laughed off and turned out into the streets with assets seized and jobs lost.  Americans protesting there were also arrested and held--likely a shock, given the way they're treated at home.

Not here.  Thank the founders for that.  The body of our constitution was written to limit the role that the Federal government can play in our lives.  The amendments protect the liberties that the founders held dearest: the very first amendment guaranteed us the freedom to meet as we choose, worship as we choose, think as we choose, and speak our minds when we choose.  Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks needs to remember that he needs to be thankful he lives in this country, and that the National Anthem, while written by a white man, and for a country governed by white men, where only white men could vote when it was written, is one of the symbols of that freedom.

He does, however, have the same freedom to say "I don't celebrate this [expletive].  I'm black," that I have to say that he's an ungrateful jackass.  And I would fight to the death to protect his freedom to disrespect his nationality.