Dear Source,
It was with much surprise that I read of Judge Rhys Hodge's order to Lofton P. Holder to remove an American flag lapel pin that Mr. Holder was wearing to court recently. Attorney Stephen Brusch and Judge Hodge should be ashamed of themselves for this act of anti-patriotism. While the Virgin Islands is geographically far removed from the United States, it is still, to the best of my knowledge, a territory of the United States of America.
Mr. Holder said that he feels as if his First Amendment rights had been violated. I'm not sure you even have to go that far! Mr. Brusch and Judge Hodge have basically just slapped America in the face with these actions.
This, at a time when we all need to stick together, united under one flag. Wave the flag, citizens of the United States Virgin Islands!
Eric K. Roeske
Watertown, Wis.
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.