I am surprised, intrigued and offended by Daniel Moran’s letter to the editor titled MSU Flag Corps needs to have more fun during performances (SN 8/30). Being a member of the Spartan Marching Band Color Guard, which is the group I assume Mr. Moran is referring to, I would like to illuminate some truths to him and the MSU community.

We in the color guard appreciate his recognition of our performing abilities, but being compared to members of the Young Communist League is implausible. If not smiling makes one a communist, then perhaps McCarthyism deserves a revival. During the band’s march to the stadium, every member is required to adopt a stern visage – this clearly cannot exclude the color guard or there would be no unity in the ensemble. The serious countenances of the band when marching to the stadium spring from a long-standing tradition of the Spartan Marching Band.