My Phone Plays the National Anthem!

Although there is a growing epidemic of families who do not own land lines as their house phones, mine family is unfortunately not affected. In fact, at a recent visit to our local Wal-Mart, we purchased a brand new combination caller ID/answering machine/ cordless phone. This upgrade over our old cordless features a new animated voice system and a great selection of ring tones. To my brothers joy, among other choices of ring tones, the National Anthem was present. Being the all time patriot that he is, he swiftly changed the normal ringer to an electronic version of the good old United States of America's National Anthem.

Now don't get me wrong, I support the country as much as the next guy in line, but there is one fatal flaw in my brothers plan to show patriotism through the ringing of our house phone. This flaw being, whenever the phone rings, the entire family feels the need to stand and show respect for the country. That means every time a telemarketer, surveyor, or 'you one a contest' informer calls, we feel the need to rise to our tired feet. Be it while we are watching TV at 10 o'clock at night or eating breakfast at 7 in the morning. I'm just saying, it gets a bit ridiculous.

Okay, maybe we don't all stand every time the phone rings, but we do feel bad for not doing so. I feel like I'm disrespecting my country and the men and women who have fought and died to protect it, every time the phone rings and I don't rise to my feet for the 15 seconds it take for someone to reach the phone and answer it.

Needless to say, tonight is the last night a phone will ring with the National Anthem in this house. I am promptly changing the ringer to 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas.' Yes I am aware that Christmas will not take place for another five months, but I simply can not take the guilt of disrespecting my country at least once every hour during each and every day. For now, I will proudly answer my Christmas themed phone with a Merry Christmas to all those who dare call.

Peace Always!