National Anthem

* Re “The Star-Spangled Yammer,” April 2: What Mike Downey is saying is if we continue to have screechers make a farce of the national anthem, then we should either change things before games or sing it correctly. Granted, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is not entirely easy to sing, but it can be sung as it was written, which it should be.

He used the word “screeched,” which most of the singers do. Sing it as written. In fact, even the terrible and blaring music before the games is bad. Isn’t it about time the American public showed some respect for the flag, national anthem and the country? After all, the reason we have what we have, including baseball, is because of what the United States military did throughout history.

GIL McNAIR

South Pasadena