Ever played Chinese whispers and laughed at the outcome, this ones about people being cool with people killing people and it’s no laughing matter but one has to see the ludicrous side. The US has in effect passed a law saying one must either stand or forfeit a playing of the national anthem.

I was in India once on a tour and my mission in charge told me to stand during a film we went to watch one night. We’d had a good week and some R+R was on the cards so we were off to the cinema. She advised us to stand during the playing of the Indian national anthem.

We did. To my surprise for the rest of the evening I was approached by at least 15-20 others who’d attended the picture to thank me for the honour I had given their country by standing during the anthem. I was touched. They were all sincere. A handful occurred directly after the song played but the majority occurred afterwards because other members of the crowd sought me and my colleagues out after to thank us. It was a nice touch to the night I thought.

They say the only true salute you’ll ever have is the one you did not have to get.

I agree.

Forcing respect is impossible and those in power miss this.

Respect is earned. This defines the free man and slavery. A free man offers respect freely. An enslaved man gives it with reluctance and perhaps harbours sour feelings towards his ‘superiors’.

I think a key part of free thought, free speech and freedom of belief is the right to express ones feelings. If the boses think this not good enough then the oness is on them to change not enforce respect.

Enforcing respect does have uses in dangerous work places and the military for obvious reason. Safety.

Enforced respect in a free democracy, religion or family is just abusive.

Respect is earned not born into.