Student had every right to stay in seat

Shonna Rhein-Gariepy, Las Vegas

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 | 2:04 a.m.

I’ve been reading with interest the letters to the editor regarding Devon Smith’s choice to sit during the Pledge of Allegiance and his family’s choice to support him. As a veteran, I am proud of my Army service and of the rights I and so many others fought to protect.

Another fact I am proud of: We do not choose which of those rights we get to protect; we simply protect them all. The Bill of Rights and the Constitution are for all Americans. We may not agree with one another or respect one another’s choices or beliefs, but I and so many others fought and indeed continue to fight for each American citizen to have the right to do exactly what Devon Smith did.

There are many who are offended by Devon’s acts and several are fellow vets. I would ask them: What, then, were you fighting for? You may not agree and may wish he and others who rock the boat were elsewhere; but I defy you to name a country with equally magnificent documents penned at that country’s birth that have managed to keep it together even in times when lesser nations would have been shattered.

Citizens have rights here, including the right to dissent. If you don’t like it, you have two choices: run for office or try one of those countries with fewer rights that you so love promoting to others.