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Gabby Douglas isn’t at fault: There’s more than 1 way to show respect

U.S. gymnasts and gold medalists, left to right, Simone Biles, Gabrielle Douglas and Lauren Hernandez celebrate on the podium during the medal ceremony for the artistic gymnastics women's team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016.
U.S. gymnasts and gold medalists, left to right, Simone Biles, Gabrielle Douglas and Lauren Hernandez celebrate on the podium during the medal ceremony for the artistic gymnastics women's team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. Julio Cortez AP

We live in an era when we are constantly prepared to pounce on someone we find fault with.

Our latest prey is Gabby Douglas, who either chose not to place her hand over her heart during the national anthem or simply forgot.

I grew up in the patriotic 1940s and 1950s.

We were taught to stand at attention with hands at our sides. There was no rule about hands over hearts. There is more than one way to show respect.

People of prominence have a target on their backs, and it is fashionable to find fault with their actions.

As for the National Anthem and patriotism, how about attacking those football fans who can’t wait for the game to begin and start cheering about the same time as bombs are bursting in air.

Tom Bauer, Morro Bay

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 7:19 PM with the headline "Gabby Douglas isn’t at fault: There’s more than 1 way to show respect."

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