I wrote the next paragraph for a blog over a week ago, but then put it aside:

 

Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks was shown in a recent YouTube video at a charity flag football game. As the national anthem played, he approached the camera and said, "'The Star Spangled Banner' is going on right now. I don't even celebrate that (deleted expletive). I'm Black." Mark Cuban, Mavericks' owner and losing "Dancing With the Stars" contestant last season, posted some of the nasty E-mails he received on his blog regarding Howard but later took them down. I do not  really care how Cuban feels about the E-mails sent him because they were well deserved, but if he thinks for one minute that Josh Howard's conduct is in any way excusable, he is mistaken. I do not care whether Howard is Black, red, green, white, or yellow; his behavior is inexcusable! Howard's behavior is similar to that of the singer at a Denver, Colorado city function a few months ago who accepted an invitation to sing the national anthem but instead sang the "Black national anthem," whatever that is supposed to be. This singer's conduct was also inexcusable. These two dispicable behavior-challenged characters need to have the public refuse to attend any event where they perform.

 

Today (September 30, 2008), The Dallas Morning News sports section carried a follow-up article regarding Josh Howard. I assume the heat has now reached the boiling point on Howard and the Dallas Mavericks, and that explains his attempt at excusing the inexcusable. In the article, Howard is quoted as saying regarding his videotaped disparagement of our national anthem, "I know that's not me. I love this country. If it wasn't for this country, I wouldn't be out here playing basketball. For me to have that opportunity is the greatest. That's not me. That's not Josh Howard. That was an idiot."

 

Finally, you got something right, Mr. Howard. In your own words, "That was an idiot." And that was you. That was Josh Howard. I do not believe you "love this country," the country which gave you your opportunity. I do not believe your lousy attempt at "I'm sorry." It is nothing more than a pathetic attempt at damage control and spin for the brain-dead.

 

I am sick of those who have risen to the top in sports, the media, in politics, and the entertainment industry, even those with talent, taking every opportunity they can dream up to criticize their own country, the country that has made their careers possible. One can certainly disagree with American policies, but to blame America for all the ills that surround us is a clear indication of the character and judgment defects of these dispicable people.

 

I refuse to pay to hear or watch such individuals. That is the only way they might curtail their disgusting verbal habits which pollute the air I breathe.