disgraceful really....I'm supportive of free speech and all, but this is just DUMB. I'm glad he has no pride at all in a country that has enabled him to become a millionaire. Doesn't he realize that the Star Spangled Banner represents all the people that have made the ultimate sacrifice in order for him to have free speech? This comment just makes him sound stupid, there are people that may have a legitimate issue with the Banner, but "I"m black" is not exactly an articulate thought or reason. And it assumes that all black people share this view...which I know isn't true.

Marc hit the nail on the head!If it was an attempt at humor, it definitely was in poor taste. Of course, this is a man who admits to smoking blunts and drag racing 94 mph and he is still walking around a free man. Only in America.

How does the comments of Howard assume all black people think like he does? Aree you on crack? Do all white people think like Willie Cunningham and Rush Limbaugh because they are seen as racist and speaking for the "community"?

I was reading some of the post on the national blog about this issue. Josh Howard can say what he wants and feel the way he wants to about the flag. As for the comment that this is the country enables him to make a lot of money come on now just because he makes a lot of money he can't have a different view than you and furhtermore would you be less angry if he didn't make alot of money and made the same comment. I guess my point is that what that flag stands for is the exact reason he can say and feel the way he wants even it is against the flag whether he is rich or poor.

Sean, Josh Howard is not representative of all Black folks at all, as we are as diverse in our feelings and thoughts as any other people of the world. Some Black people do not stand for the SSB in a form of protest against the perceived crimes committed against Black people in the U.S. 2 of the more prominent examples are the enslavement period and the continuing aggression in Black urban areas across the country at the hands of police. This type of thinking, however is from the far left and is not limited to Black people as evidenced by flag burning by those opposing many actions of the government i.e. Vietnam War.

"I'm Black" is a poor excuse for Howard's action though, esp. considering the fact that in the U.S. he has been blessed with the opportunity to make a significant amount of money, (hooray for the free-market economy). He could, if he wanted to, use his wealth to be of positive influence as opposed to being irresponsible in his pattern of behavior.

My personal stance is that this certainly is not a "perfect union," (every group can has a gripe they can express, but it is this group/identity politics that is dividing this country to almost pre Civil War levels) but it is still the best darned country on the face of the earth, and I love it and its constitution that gives us the freedom to speak our mind and make our way without limitation or inteference from the gov't as long as we do it legally.

I had some radical left leaning feelings briefly in my youth, but as I matured I was able to think more critically. When I sat down and thought about it, Black people have helped in the building of this country from scratch, we have contributed to the culture of the country in many ways known and unknown, and we have participated in every single war this country has ever fought in including the one which established this great Republic.