Does anyone here not stand for the National Anthem?

[Bluzmann57]

I went to a local Minor League baseball game Sunday afternoon and, naturally, the "Star Spangled Banner" was played before the game. The PA announcer asked everyone to stand, remove their hats and "join us in the singing of our National Anthem." This happens at every sporting event I have ever attended, and normally, it doesn't really bother me, although I did pay to see a game. But the game on Sunday, I refused to stand because I started thinking that we don't need to show blind loyalty to a piece of cloth in order to show patriotism. Many many people around me shot me nasty looks, but nobody said anything to me about it. I'm really not sure why. Anyway, I will usually stand out of courtesy if nothing else, but I just couldn't bring myself to do so last Sunday at this particular sporting event. And, I don't sing either, but that's because I am vocally challenged, or in other words, I can't sing a lick.

[Warpy]

1. Don't worry, nobody can sing that stinker

I usually stand out of respect for everybody else, but that's it.

I know people who jump out of their chairs when they're at home watching the game on the tube. I call that crazy. I won't join them.

[melnjones]

2. I haven't said the pledge of alliegance in a long time.

I'll stand and put my hand on my heart respectfully, but I won't say it. Caused some interesting glares when I worked at an elem school a few years back, as we said it everyday.

[roody]

66. I don't put my hand on my heart or say the pledge.

I attend Monday a.m. flag ceremony with my class. I am happy to model freedom. I stopped saying the pledge when * invaded Iraq. I also don't believe in God, so I stopped saying "under dog" as well.

[Aristus]

3. Just once, I'd like to break out with "OHHHHH CAN-adaaaaaaah!

"Our home and native laaaaaaaaand!"

when they ask us to sing the national anthem. See how they would react. B-)

[Canuckistanian]

101. Or even worse...

O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux....

[MNDemNY]

4. I don't. and

Since the third grade, 40years ago, I do not recite the "Pledge".My teacher asked why, and I told here because I don't. Pledge allegiance to the flag, that is.

[bryant69]

5. I don't know how to respond to this in a way that won't start a flamewar

So I'll just note that when I sing the anthem (such as my limited singing ability allows me to) or salute the flag, I salute what this country can be at it's greatest, not the disaster it, in many ways, is today.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[William769]

7. I stand out of respect of the way things use to be

And in the hopes that the things will be once again.

[AZBlue]

44. I agree wholeheartedly with both of you. I'm not giving up that easily on this country!

And neither the flag nor the national anthem represent Bush & Co and their crimes. They represent something much, much bigger.

[Pyrzqxgl]

81. The Star Spangled Banner takes it's tune from an old Drinking song and

the words written by Francis Scott Key celebrate a war the United States lost
(the war of 1812). It's only been our national anthem since sometime in the
1920's or 30's. I'd much rather have America The Beautiful which celebrates
the beauty of our country not its shame.

[Beausoleil]

91. The US won the War of 1812

and the Battle of Baltimore. Otherwise we'd be speaking English!
Key's poem celebrated the fact that the British assault on Ft. McHenry was repulsed.

[Iris]

48. Some people don't stand because they don't believe in be coerced or forced into

pledging allegiance to any country, no matter what shape the country is in.

[bryant69]

75. I've never been forced to sing the national anthem or pledge allegience

that I can recall. I have usually chosen to do so however.

Bryant

[Iris]

85. Right. And some people don't do this because they feel it means they are pledging allegiance to

a country, so they don't do it whether they are forced by a governmental authority or peer pressure.

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

100. I feel you. However, I just don't really get nationalism.

Just never really saw a point.

[MADem]

6. I'll know that we're back to normal when they dump the frigging "GOD BLESS AMERICA" rendition at

seventh inning stretch. When we go back to "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" I'll figure that we have our long lamented USA back once more.

As for the Anthem, it's traditional. And not just here, everywhere. You go to a game in Canada, you get to sing their anthem--it's much easier to sing, certainly. When a team or individual wins at the Olympics, they play the winner's tune. It goes with sports, it's kinda like turkey and cranberry sauce.

[Bluzmann57]

10. That tune, "God Bless America", is sort of arrogant imo

I mean why should a deity bless America and no other country on earth? But I agree wholeheartedly with you about singing that tune at the seventh inning stretch. And as I stated, I really don't mind the National Anthem, and I usually stand, no problem. I also have to admit that when Team USA won the Olympic hockey gold in 1980, it brought tears of joy to my eyes when the anthem got played.

[onenote]

14. and where does it say bless "only" america?

[melody]

34. thank you n/t

[Radical Activist]

56. in the part where NO OTHER NATION is mentioned.

[onenote]

58. so what.

Someone says grace over their food. Should everyone else think that they are asking god to care only about their food?

You tell someone you love them. Does that mean you don't love anyone else? You ask someone to love you. Are you asking them not to love anyone else?

You're right. The song doesn't say anything about any other country. But its a leap of logic to conclude that means it is asking that only america be "blessed". Put another way...the singer of the song is asking only that god bless america, not that god bless only america.

[Radical Activist]

69. the next time you say grace at dinner with others

Ask god to bless the food that you yourself eat. Don't mention the food on the table in general that everyone shares or other people. Just pray something like, "God, please bless the food that I, onenote, eat today." Don't bless or make any mention of the rest of the food or other people at the table. Then see how people interpret that.

I'm guessing people would think that you're strange and that its a self-centered, unchristian act to ask for God's blessing for yourself without mention or thought to everyone else there. That's just like the song God Bless America. Everyone in the world is at the same table.

[onenote]

73. bad analogy

You might have a point if the song was "god bless this american". But its not.

Most table blessings I've seen offer thanks for "this food" that "we" are about to eat. Not for the food that other people are going to eat or for all the food in the world.

[Radical Activist]

86. Most people on this thread

seem to agree that your analogy is the bad one. The song is not sung in private but where everyone can hear it, which makes my analogy much more appropriate.

[Pyrzqxgl]

82. Yeah, it doesn't even say which god.

[Smarmie Doofus]

64. Succinct. I like it. n/t

[Smarmie Doofus]

38. Good point.

http://www.stickergiant.com/page/sg/PROD//b5643

'God bless *only* America" is implied.

[onenote]

40. in your imagination

Seems like some projection going on. If someone says "grace" over a meal do you think that they are asking god to bless only their food and never bless anyone else's?

I'm not orthodox in my religious beliefs, but most conceptions of god that I'm acquainted with suggest that he/she is capable of multitasking.

[Smarmie Doofus]

61. Bad analogy... given the context.

And the context is a sporting event:

1. Opening with the Star Spangled Banner;

2. Often with an exhortation to "honor America"... or a cryptic plea for war support ( " honor our brave men and women fighting overseas in the armed forces.");

3. Frequently with a military color guard and other trappings.

And to this your adding ( redundantly and nauseatingly) in the seventh inning a prayer, really... for god to bless *America* ( not the world, not the human race; not the universe).

Most folks will infer the obvious: that there is or should be a *special* relationship between "god" and "America". By special I mean a relationship that is beyond the reach of other nations.

Again... it is the *context* that makes this so... your Thanksgiving meal not withstanding.

[onenote]

63. maybe to you.

To me, the singer in the song is asking only that god bless america, not that god bless only america.

Frankly, I'm not a fan of GBA at baseball games. But I prefer it to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" -- which was nauseatingly performed at Baltimore Oriole games for years predating 9/11!!

[William769]

47. Should God save only the queen?

[Smarmie Doofus]

62. Yes, as a matter of fact. n/t

[Oeditpus Rex]

17. Most ball clubs have 'God Bless America' only on Sundays

and "patriotic" holidays now. MLB dropped the every-game bit in... 2003, I think.

AFAIK, the Jankees are the only club that still plays "God Bless America" at every home game. And, as previously noted here, they chain people into their seats for it. :eyes:

[MADem]

36. The Yankees use it to prevent the opposing team's pitcher from warming up properly, allegedly

My personal view is that even on Sunday, that's one day too many. I've come to despise the song, though I never minded it before the "Nahn Wun Wun Changed Ever-thang" crowd overused it to the point of abject absurdity.

Since the attacks, "God Bless America" has commonly been sung during the seventh-inning stretch in Sunday Major League Baseball games, except for the Toronto Blue Jays (and prior to 2005, the Montreal Expos. Yankee Stadium is the only Major League ballpark to play "God Bless America" every game during the seventh-inning stretch. The team's YES Network televises its performance during each game before going to commercial. Interestingly, some claim this offers a competitive advantage to the Yankees. This is due to the fact that at Yankee Stadium, Ronan Tynan sings an especially long version of the song at select games, during which time the opposing pitcher is unable to warm up. Some pitchers have complained that this affects their rhythm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_America

[CrispyQ]

8. A guy I work with went to a game with two friends of his from the UK.

This was shortly after the US invaded Iraq. Obviously his friends didn't stand & sing the anthem. My co-worker said he could feel the anger of people around him. At the end of the anthem someone behind them made a loud comment about the unpatriotic assholes who didn't stand for the anthem & if they hated America so much they should leave. To which, one of the Brits responded, "We're from England & we will be leaving your country in two days. I don't know if that's soon enough for you, but it is barely soon enough for us!"

[Esra Star]

43. Touche!

[Bluebear]

9. I stand and sing with fervant hope in my soul that we can be what we could be. nt

[aikoaiko]

90. I'm with you Bluebear.

As I age protesting US policy via not saying or standing for the anthem just doesn't appeal to me anymore.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

11. I Stand Proudly And Without Reservation.

The anthem is in tribute to our freedom and brave men and women that fought valiantly to achieve such freedom.

The anthem is not about today; it is about the spirit and courage that it took to allow America to exist to begin with and is a reminder of our resolve.

I try not to let my personal politics cloud my vision about all the things still good and that have been good about our country.

[onenote]

13. me too

[Nickster]

20. You got it.

[wuushew]

22. It seems pointless to externalize internal beliefs

Just leads to public kinestetic displays.

Nobody is doing the rain dance over love of apple pie.

[Iris]

49. wow. way to be your own person. n/t

[Oeditpus Rex]

26. I respect that

I just wish somebody would tell me why there's apparently a need to reiterate that tribute before virtually every sporting event, from high school through professional leagues. :shrug:

[Dr. Strange]

28. Yep, me too

By the same (or maybe not exactly the same, but at least similar) token, I would stand during, say, the Canadian anthem if I were at a sporting event in Canada, even though I'm not a Canadian citizen.

However, I do not stand when I hear the Canadian anthem on the South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut soundtrack. 'Cause that would just be silly!

[JoePhilly]

53. Agree ...

My disagreements with the current administration do not reduce my love for the US, what it has been, and what it can be.

[annarbor]

78. Couldn't have said it better...

I stand, I sing, I place my hand upon my heart and I count down the days until this national nightmare is over...

Ann Arbor

[Hosnon]

93. That's my take on it as well.

However, I do feel that a lot of the "patriotic" displays that go on around the country have a veil of support for both the President and the war in Iraq.

[otohara]

12. Until We No Longer Occupy Iraq

I sit it out!

[ceile]

15. I stand, but don't sing.

Nor do I put my hand over my heart. Stopped saying the pledge in elementary school, too.

[triguy46]

50. same here. n/t

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

16. I stopped the patriotic nonsense after My-Lai and Kent State.

"Patriotism is the most foolish of passions and the passion of fools." Arthur Schopenhauer

[leftchick]

70. you always have the best quotes

Thanks T y L! :)

[DesertRat]

18. I always stand for the National Anthem

But no one wants to hear me sing.

[soothsayer]

19. I tried sitting a couple of times when i was dating a gal who would not stand

but it really left me feeling creepy, so I started standing and stopped seeing the girl.

[Oeditpus Rex]

21. I stand, but that's it

And I do that only to avoid having shit flung at me.

About 30 years ago, I was sitting in the back row of the first-base bleachers at a minor league game. I stood during the anthem, and I felt something tugging at my pants leg. I looked down behind me and there was this 60-ish man glaring up at me and saying, "Take your hat off!"

I just glared back at him.

I do NOT understand why people get so worked up over this.

[jeffrey_X]

71. same here....i'll stand....that's it

reluctantly at that.

[zanne]

23. I didn't stand when I was in high school....

There would be 1,000+ kids standing up singing the national anthem, then there was me, sitting down, looking a bit conspicuous. I was a stubborn kid and I grew up to be a stubborn adult.

[bliss_eternal]

24. I won't...

...until this administration of evil is removed from office. Too many of the words have little meaning for several segments of the population under these bigots.

I won't stand or even squat in respect for such a song while this asshat and his goons have declared war on the glbt community, people of color, women, the poor, middle class, the environment, immigrants, progressives, atheists and people of diverse religions. It's all I can do to NOT show the world the lighter side of the moon or flip the bird during the song. :eyes:

When someone takes office that doesn't make hatred of others a family value, one that doesn't think it's cool to declare war on women and their rights...someone that isn't working so hard to keep diverse populations fighting with one another for the last morsel of bread--when that kind of person takes office, I'll consider standing. Until then--no. I'll sit and figuratively thumb my nose at the entire spectacle--thank you.

[Madspirit]

25. Not Me

I never sing about rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air...

Lee

[potisok]

27. No I do not, but be cautious

Cut from an assumed similar ilk, I have done the same, my son observed, ask questions and emulated his father when he went to school. Caused him a lot of grief and persecution from his peers and the faculty. I suggested he could stand and mouthed the words to a thought of his own and he would have no problems, he did not and the problems grew. Now he is an adult, his lack of participation did not seem to cause him long term harm and I sure am proud of him today. For what it is worth, seems like a long time ago I did stand and participate, then I came back to the world, and have not since. I will not follow blind loyalty, the proof is in the product and I do not like what the good old USA is producing today.
USMC 1970 -1972

[Marrah_G]

29. I do, I still love my country

I don't much care for the present administration, but that doesn't lessen my affection for my home. I generally tear up during the Anthem because it reminds me how bad things have gotten. I haven't given up hope yet though. That flag still means something to me.

[demokatgurrl]

30. yes, but NEVER for God Bless America

and believe it or not, that has sometimes REPLACED "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME" at games I've been to. I stay in my seat and don't utter a word because I hate that fucking song. And people do stand for it, which drives me crazy because it is NOT the national anthem.
And while I'm ranting, it also drives me crazy when people put their hands on their heart (or in Bush's case, stomach) when singing the national anthem. That's for the Pledge of Allegiance, idiots.

[onenote]

45. before you rant, you should check first to see if you are the one being a dolt

36 US Code Sec 301(b)(1)(A):

During the rendition of the national anthem (1) when the flag is displayed (A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart...

And if the flag is not displayed? 36 USC Sec 301(b)(2): when the flag is not displayed all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

I believe that this has been in the US Code in roughly this form for more than 60 years.

[alarimer]

95. I believe in civil disobedience

I refuse to stand and do all that bullshit. Let them arrest me. It would make a good First Amendment case I think.

[youthere]

31. I stand and sing proudly.

I also stand and place my hand on my heart when I'm at a parade and the flag goes by.

[DavidDvorkin]

32. My wife and I never stand for the anthem

[slackmaster]

33. I went to a game in San Diego on Sunday, you bet people stood up

Not only did every stand for the Star Spangled Banner, nearly everyone stood up for the U.S. Marine Corps Hymn. There was a section filled with Marines high above right field.

[Oeditpus Rex]

42. That's San Diego

Home to several Navy facilities and near Camp Pendleton (USMC).

If you don't stand at Petco, you run the risk of being beaten and/or sent to Gitmo.

[slackmaster]

76. A Muslim man in front of me didn't stand for the USMC Hymn

But he did for Seventh Inning Stretch.

[katsy]

35. The National Anthem?

I didn't know exxon/halliburton had a jingle.

No. I don't stand or sing it or feel any desire to honor this country.

[Philosoraptor]

37. Only when I was a kid.

Why stand up at all for America, they don't stand up for we the people.

[katsy]

41. This government not only ignores the people...

they let New Orleans drown.

I have not one iota of trust in, or regard for the american government.

Not one.

[Ellen Forradalom]

39. I don't. I'm neither a militarist nor a nationalist.

[tanglefoot]

46. I just think of the song it's based on instead.

It was written, then applied to the melody from The Anacreontic Song or To Anacreon in Heaven
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Anacreon_in_Heaven

Wiki says it's original purpose was not a song of indulgence, but is sure has fine and encouraging lyrics.

To Anacreon in Heav'n,
Where he sat in full glee,
A few Sons of Harmony
Sent a petition
That he their Inspirer
And Patron would be;
When this answer arrived
From the Jolly Old Grecian:
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute,
No longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name
And inspire you to boot,
Chorus
And besides I'll instruct you,
Like me, to intwine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus' Vine."


I stand for the anthem provided it's being used for suitable purposes. But I almost always sing these lyrics in my head.

[KOBUK]

51. I love my country. I stand !

[EFerrari]

52. My attitude has changed since BushCo started using nationalism

to manipulate us.

I wouldn't stand today where I would have before these felons took over our government. :shrug:

[hang a left]

54. I go to lots of ball games.

Kid's games. Travel ball now but little league forever. I quit saying the pledge on March 19, 2003, when we attacked Iraq.

I stand, but do NOT place my hand over my heart or recite the pledge. I do not pledge allegiance to a flag. I pledge allegiance to the constitution. The flag no longer represents that to me.

And trust me people notice. I have been doing it for years now. I also don't like the little league pledge either but stand for that as well.

For those that don't know, it goes like this:

"I trust in God
I love my Country
and will protect it's laws.

I will play fair,
and try to win,
but win or lose,
I will always do my best."

I just don't like the god thing. Set that aside and I'm good on all the other stuff.

[Oeditpus Rex]

72. I've wondered about that for a long time

Has anyone petitioned Little League Baseball, Inc. to take out "I trust in god"? since it rather excludes non-Christian kids?

[onenote]

89. according to this article, the Little League gets a couple of complaints a year

http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=littleleague04e&date=20040304&query=stewart+jay

[Radical Activist]

55. I'm really fucking tired of hearing God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch.

This is a baseball game, not an uber-patriotic fascist rally. The only song I want to her is Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

[WinkyDink]

57. I stand and I sing. This is my country, though it's been hijacked.

[Kali]

59. I generally stand out of respect for others.

I do not put my hand over my heart, sing, recite pledges, say amen, bow my head or participate in public displays of blind loyalty or religious behavior other than that simple gesture of standing.

stopped saying the pledge and just standing in high school (mid 70's)

[tammywammy]

60. I always stand

and sometimes sing along.

[BoneDaddy]

65. I stand

with no apologies. I do not stand for Bush...that prick does not represent me. I stand for all that is good about America and it is time liberals take back the flag

[rug]

67. Nope. And the last time it happened I was at a circus.

[leftchick]

68. I haven't since I was a kid

and I get dirty looks too. I simply refuse to comply with the blind nationalism in this country. I have encouraged my boys to do what they feel is right and not feel coerced into it. The most annoying thing about it here in the south is it is always ended with a loud "AMEN"!

:puke:

[TahitiNut]

74. I stand for ANYONE'S National Anthem.

I do not feel obliged to sing or stand at attention. Nor do I feel obliged to recite any pledge, including the Pledge of Allegiance. I let the exhibitionists do what they want ... as long as they don't interfere with me.

[slackmaster]

77. Yes, so do I

Also the official song of any military service, and generally those of schools.

[rasputin1952]

97. I find that So. Korea's is a bit interesting....

"Old Lang Syne".

I heard it once years ago when a SK athlete got a Gold for soemthing...:)

[TahitiNut]

99. Here it is ... (not really Auld Lang Syne ... but similar tempo/meter)

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/8106/Anthems/sthkorea.htm

Aegukka

1. Until the East Sea's waves are dry, (and) Mt. Baektusan worn away,
God watch o'er our land forever! Our Korea manse !

CHORUS :
Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of range and river land !
Guarded by her people, ever may Korea stand !

2. Like that Mt. Namsan armored pine, standing on duty still,
wind or frost, unchanging ever, be our resolute will.

3. In autumn's, arching evening sky,crystal, and cloudless blue,
Be the radiant moon our spirit, steadfast, single, and true.

4. With such a will, (and) such a spirit, loyalty, heart and hand,
Let us love, come grief, come gladness, this, our beloved land !

[Sparkly]

79. I always stand.

BushCo isn't taking my country away from me.

[Pyrzqxgl]

84. I don't stand mostly cause my knees hurt & I'd rather sit.

Add to that I'm a believer in tradition. Tradition has it that "Take me out to the Ballgame"
is sung at ballgames, besides why should I help to make Irving Berlins publishing company
richer by singing "God Bless America" (which is still in copyright so royalties are paid when
its used) instead of Adolph von Tiltzer's "Ballgame" which was published in 1912 (and out
of copyright). GBA was written around 1940 & has a ways to go yet.

[Taverner]

80. Back in Thailand before every movie they all stood and a song for the King was played

Sorry Forrest, Not Elvis - their King.

Anyway - that creeped me out, and ever since the SSB at ball games does the same thing for me.

[Booster]

83. I'm not exactly proud of my country right now, but I do stand for

our anthem and I will say the Pledge of Allegiance - it's still my country and I believe it will once again stand for all the good things it once did.

[AngryAmish]

87. I always thought "Baby's Got Back" should be the national anthem

[Orsino]

88. The opportunity hasn't presented itself for many years.

I would be conflicted, to say the least, wanting our nation to be the best it can be while feeling shame for all the atrocities carried out under that flag.

[ComerPerro]

92. National Anthem, yes. But not "God Bless America". And one thing I certainly won't stand for

is the motherfucking "Patriot Guard" assholes.

Was at a departure cremony for a unit leaving for Iraq, and the Patriot Guard came in late (they weren't guarding against Phelps, he wasn't anywhere to be seen), interrupted the ceremony, were recognized four times (all to standing applause that I sat silently through), left early, and had peaced out before the soldiers' busses had even left.

[Mark_Pogue]

94. Good for you!!

If that is YOUR conscience decision, you made the right choice!

Isn't that what we Democrats are all about....CHOICE????

[rasputin1952]

96. Yes, I do stand for the NA...

It has to do w/many things, but I stand basically because of the pride I have in my country; not blind, moronic go w/the flow pride, but true pride. I've been around much of this world, mostly while in the service, and I've seen here, as well as other places, where people have in situations where their conditions could be infinitely better if they took hold of the processes that make up their country, and none have compared to this one, regardless of faults or the current direction this nation has taken.

For those of us who have been through several changes over the lifetimes we've had, we can see where some things have gone right. The Civil Rights movement, a move toward equality, a (somewhat lost) love of peace. There are so many things in this nation that are good, but get overlooked because of the negative aspects, that it is difficult for me not to stand when the NA is played. I look tot he future, on how this nation will become stronger in its resolve to grant Rights and Privileges to those who have been denied them for so long. I see much of the genius that gave a start to this nation, and I have unbridled respect for the Constitution. All things considered, I think that standing up for the NA is a small price to pay for I believe is the the greatest hope for civility and decency to persevere in a world that is cold and often unfair.

Another reason that stands out, is that throughout my family history in this nation, w/the exception of GW I, (I went to re-enlist, but it was over before I could get a physical), someone in my family has been in uniform, as have millions of other families, when the country needed them. My eldest daughter was on USS Carl Vinson (CVA 71) when they launched into Afghanistan. With the exception of the Revolution, in every conflict, I've had a relative in the service, during war since 1812. (I'm still researching the Revolution, but since my family ties goes back since before it, and the vast majority were in NY, there's a good possibility that someone served on the British side of that war, as some 35% of NYer's were Tories anyway; they may be hidden away and never discussed...;) ). It is for them, and the tens of millions of others who served to keep this nation free that I stand.

What I do not stand up for is blind 'patriotism' that gets people into waters they should avoid at all costs. I have been to 4th of July parades here in my small city, where people sit proudly on flag festooned chairs, that remarkable look like flags, drinking copious amounts of beer from flag motif-ed paper cups and eating off of flag motif-ed paper plates. They wipe their greasy hands on napkins printed to look like flags, and then toss them into the street like it was nothing but another day at the slop-house. Maybe I'm a little off on this, but I find people like that appalling. They do not rise from their chairs when the Colors pass, but sit there and fart in what is essentially a symbol of our nation, while some old Vets march by that fought under that flag and try desperately to remember why they are doing this for people who simply claim the status of 'patriot', and yet will not even sacrifice a small amount of energy to stand before the Colors and just show a little respect.

Call me "Old Fashioned", but it is the 4th Stanza that is really important, it is the only one that does not end w/a question:

.....



Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Francis Scott Key (1779 - 1843)


....

Sure people may complain about the reference to God, but that is a minor point, the idea is that a nation will be preserved by the dedication of those who will stand up and fight for what is right. Because of this, I stand for those who take up this cause, Liberty, Freedom, the quest for Equality and Justice, I stand for those values we hold so dear, and am willing to fight to preserve and advance them.

:patriot:

[Arugula Latte]

98. It's absolutely ridiculous to play the anthem before a sporting event.

The whole thing reeks of catapulted propaganda and blind jingoism and cowlike, unquestioning obedience to a depraved authority.

I don't really go to many events where it's played, but I'm always reluctant to rise. My husband and I always give each other "The Look" when that request is made.

[Pastiche423]

102. No, I can't stand

Although back when I was AB (able bodied) I din't stand or sing either.

I am not nationalistic, nor religious.