To the editor:

As a freshman senator, Mike Martucci seems to be ‘reaching' to make an early mark in the NYS Legislature. It's difficult to believe, as he relates, that a ‘security guard' told a group of students to stop singing the National Anthem at the 911 Memorial.

He's quoted in the Democrat's May 25th “Here & There Beyond the News” column as saying ‘stories like these make us fearful for the future of our state...' That's exactly what this supposed incident is-- a story-- facts, Mike?

But now with Memorial Day approaching and the obvious reverence we give to our brave military, here's the perfect chance to wave the flag, cast dark light on a ‘story' (apparently not based on much) and pound his patriotic chest-- all based on, in his words, something that happened “a few years ago.” When, exactly? “A group of students from North Carolina.” Where, exactly? “A security guard.” In uniform? “a teacher/chaperone involved?” Any names?

And now here's an even better opportunity to wave the flag, write a proposal, call it a bill, give it a number and get some press! It's quite possible that this incident may have involved other matters that evaded the full account of the ‘story' Martucci refers to. Possible.

There's got to be more to this story and the details surrounding the matter. But the obvious shortcut appeals to our sense of patriotism, tugs at our flag-sense and, of course, this bill is the route to take! Make it illegal to deny anyone from singing the National Anthem and/or reciting the Pledge - Perfect! Such original thinking.

A week or so ago, Ed Townsend's column got taken to the cleaners by someone who actually researched some of the material. This time, I hope Ed did the same search for accuracy in Martucci's story. Facts matter.