Standing up for what you believe in should always be commended. In the case of Andrew Anthos, he should be recognized for all of his dedication to our state and country for the past 16 years.

But last thing Michigan needs is to spend thousands of dollars on lighting up the Capitol building in red, white and blue.

Although Anthos has shown his compassion by persistently campaigning since 1988, there is just no room in the state's budget, which already is $920 million in the red.

Instead of showing our patriotism for one night, we need to show the same amount of dedication to fixing our state's already existing problems.

Patriotism can be shown through many ways, not just adorning the dome in red, white and blue.

Our concerns now should be the light bulbs that line the ceilings in K-12 schools or lighting the future of Michigan's youth, who need affordable higher education, not lighting the Capitol dome.

Jerry Lawler, executive director of the Michigan Capitol Committee, stated the truth when he said, "But it's just not a priority. We have no idea what it's going to cost."

According to Lawler, the state would have to complete an electrical engineering study, and the total cost for the project could be in the six-figure range, which the state just doesn't have.

Anthos is not giving up his one-man crusade, and he won't be any time soon. That alone deserves respect from all Michigan residents.

It's endearing that Anthos wants to commemorate American soldiers' deaths, state officials, the disabled, the homeless and members of the press, but unfortunately, lighting the dome doesn't seem necessary in showing our patriotism to our state and country.

At this point, we don't need to make the Capitol red, white and blue, we need to see it green.