Comment: Sarah, What a well written, thoughtful oped piece. Thanks for the history on the national anthem. I never stand for it because it does glory war, which as a pacifist, I oppose. I have always felt that patriotism is dangerous for the country, any country. I grew up with "Better dead than red", which allowed us to be at war with any country that had communist or socialist leanings. This allowed us to kill "others" and feel good about these actions. And the "Love it or leave it" slogan basically said, "Do not question." But silencing people has never been healthy for a country. It only polarizes us more. 
And Zach thank you for your post, that we all need to stay involved and not "turn a blind eye" to what is happening around us.
Hilary Emmer