I am writing in response to Carol Jensen-Linton’s recent article referencing the alleged poor behavior exhibited by McIntosh High School students during the singing of our National Anthem at the McIntosh/Starr’s Mill basketball game played on Feb. 2, 2010. I have a different opinion.

As a 20-year resident of Peachtree City, I was both inspired and delighted by the spirit exhibited by the McIntosh (and Starr’s Mill) students attending the game. Hearing over 300 McIntosh students sing at the end of the anthem “and the home of the Chiefs” gave me goose bumps as they jumped up and down in wild anticipation of the cross-town rivalry about to be renewed.

My dear Ms. Linton, this was not a put-down of our great country, nor was it an insult to the young lady singing the anthem. Rather, it was a ringing endorsement of our spirit and enthusiasm, our insatiable pride to be Americans living in the greatest country on the planet.

It was both refreshing and encouraging to see these young McIntosh students exhibiting great pride and pleasure in support of their school colors. Watching both student bodies cheer on their respective schools was as inspiring as it was entertaining. It was a ringing endorsement that all is not lost in this crazy world.

We should all be so passionate and caring about the things in which we believe.

J.D. Murphy

Peachtree City, Ga.