There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes all of us defending the United States of America.

The sight of allegedly sophisticated politicians parroting complete tripe trivialises and demeans government and it has to be stopped. It's played a significant part in public disillusionment with politics and has led to the absurd situation where more people vote for 'Strictly Come Dancing' than voted in the general election.

I remember when first Stripes and then Animal House came out - which I was really proud of even though it was kind of loose and quite raucous - there were imitative movies that were not quite as good.

And you know being able to wear the stars and stripes when you step up on one of the blocks or you know when you step off of an airplane or when you hear the national anthem play you know it's one of the greatest feelings in the world because you know that there are people at home who are supporting you and watching you.

Playing drums feels like coming home for me. Even during the White Stripes I thought: 'I'll do this for now but I'm really a drummer.' That's what I'll put on my passport application.

It's silly talking about how many years we will have to spend in the jungles of Vietnam when we could pave the whole country and put parking stripes on it and still be home by Christmas.

Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation.