Flags, fishing are troubling topics

When has our sense of patriotism dropped so low we cannot or will not honor our glorious American flag at sporting events and parades and such?

At the Swamp Fox Festival parade in Marion last month, few made an attempt to honor our flag by rising, removing their hats and placing their hands over their hearts. Come on people, let's rally and encourage our young parents to teach their youngsters the simple rules of flag etiquette, though some of you could use a brushup as well.

Another question: Why are so many roads in this city are nearly impassable, while we have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a half-mile strip to the new “fishing recreation” area at the old Martin-Marietta plant on Otis Road. Navigating our city streets has jarred our vehicles out of alignment and painfully shaken our bodies.

It is further baffling that just north of this paradise we have a perfectly functional fishing area and boat ramp. And, FYI, the utopian paradise in question is at the bend in the road along the river, so please stop knocking down my mailbox and crushing my trash containers as you turn around in my driveway to correct your overshooting this destination.

Mauryne Simoens

Cedar Rapids