[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by blueash

There is nothing DIVISIVE or even divisive about the song. Maybe atheists would object to its religious themes. It is a song about overcoming adversity and working toward a better future. Very much American themes. It is aspirational and humble.

I don't know where you get the idea that I made up a fact about every group supporting BLM except white Republicans. I posted the link. Did you check it? And the song is not pre-empting the National Anthem. Again that has been covered but apparently is not getting through to some people. The National Anthem is being played.

After 9-11 the Sinatra song NY NY was played before the National Anthem in many sports stadiums to recognize the tragedy of that event even though only a small segment of the country was attacked. Those deaths in 2001 only impacted two cities directly but indirectly it was all of us. The deaths of Mr. Lloyd (and the list of so many others) that have been the concern of BLM similarly most Americans now feel impacts all of us. One song at one game.

There is nothing divisive about the lyrics. They are actually quite beautiful.

What's divisive (obviously, in my view) is describing it as the "Black National Anthem" and then expecting everyone to sing it.

We could always expand this new approach to include an Indian (ie Native American song ... btw I'm part Cherokee ...I feel slighted) and maybe a Hispanic song, certainly a song for the Italians, and don't forget the Irish.

E Pluribus Unum.

[thomp679]

Originally Posted by JulieER

Why do we have to have the Star Spangled Banner or anything played before a game? Why can’t they just come out and play?

Agree.

Also I also find it odd the Pledge of Allegiance is conducted at the start of some club meetings here in the Villages. If the club's focus is centered around the country in some way, it makes sense. If I am going to a social group event, it seems out of place to have to have to 'commit my loyalty to the country flag'. One doesn't do that when they walk into a bar.

Let the arrogance fly.

[thomp679]

To all objecting to the 'Black' National Anthem, why does it matter what is done at NFL games. I thought all of you stopped watching the NFL three years ago when some players started to kneel. I guess you can't trust anyone to honor their word anymore.

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by thomp679

To all objecting to the 'Black' National Anthem, why does it matter what is done at NFL games. I thought all of you stopped watching the NFL three years ago when some players started to kneel. I guess you can't trust anyone to honor their word anymore.

To answer in general, people object to injecting still more divisiveness into an already divided country. What could possibly go wrong?

Not a matter of violating their word etc ...apples & oranges.

[thomp679]

Originally Posted by TexaninVA

To answer in general, people object to injecting still more divisiveness into an already divided country. What could possibly go wrong?

Not a matter of violating their word etc ...apples & oranges.

If you pledge to stop watching the NFL, you should stop watching the NFL. If the NFL adopts policies that one might not be in agreement with, it shouldn't matter because you stopped watching. Seventy percentage of the NFL player are black or other minorities so why shouldn't they have an anthem played before the National anthem? The patriots are only watching their game.

As to the divide, the divide started in the conservative, white community, pushed by Fox News since the mid 2000's and continues today. Just read the threads on this forum. It all about divide.

If The VIllages, as a community, has anything to be embarrassed about (in reference to being embarassed by the recent video), it is these postings that continue here that should be embarrassing. Everyone acts like little kids that aren't getting their way.

In most cases, if our grandkids of the various posters would read what is put on here, they would tell us to knock it off as their generation is more tolerant.

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by thomp679

Agree.

Also I also find it odd the Pledge of Allegiance is conducted at the start of some club meetings here in the Villages. If the club's focus is centered around the country in some way, it makes sense. If I am going to a social group event, it seems out of place to have to have to 'commit my loyalty to the country flag'. One doesn't do that when they walk into a bar.

Let the arrogance fly.

Very simple. Many of us actually enjoy patriotic participation.
And have done so for very, VERY many years.

[thomp679]

Originally Posted by billethkid

Very simple. Many of us actually enjoy patriotic participation.
And have done so for very, VERY many years.

Many do and many don't. If the public event has a patriotic purpose, then do. If it doesn't, it shouldn't. Just because you have for many, many years is admirable to your dedication, but isn't a merit for the action for all to take.

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by thomp679

Many do and many don't. If the public event has a patriotic purpose, then do. If it doesn't, it shouldn't. Just because you have for many, many years is admirable to your dedication, but isn't a merit for the action for all to take.

Many are embarrassed by American patriotism... kind of makes some people, who self-identify as enlightened, wince. However, most people can decode the phraseology and underlying beliefs pretty easily

[valuemkt]

Originally Posted by TexaninVA

Because, like many well-intentioned gestures, it will predictably backfire and make us more divided than we are ... if that's even possible.

. and it was first recited by 500 school kids as a tribute to abraham lincoln on his birthday.. does that make you want to stand up and celebrate and then take a knee ?

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by valuemkt

. and it was first recited by 500 school kids as a tribute to abraham lincoln on his birthday.. does that make you want to stand up and celebrate and then take a knee ?

That was then, and this is now. Quite different.

The point is it's being introduced as an alternative national anthem but only to one segment of the population which by definition, and probably design, is divisive. ... yes, I will definitely take a knee in protest.

I would also protest some rioter toppling a statue of Abraham Lincoln for that matter

[furbish]

In my opinion, the very best rendition of our National Anthem in my lifetime was done by Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV, January 1991. If I remember right, she sang it a capella. I have never heard better.

[J1ceasar]

Us Jews have have a catchy tune and I understand the Italians to a great sing along. When is it our turn? As downtrodden immigrants? Hey do the Indians sing ? I could use a good rain dance .

[Leadbone1]

I haven’t watch the NFL for four years and never will again. I hope a lot more people join me. Happy Fourth of July🇺🇸

[Leadbone1]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Francis Scott Key author of the star spangled banner was a well know slave owner. There is controversy over verse three with perhaps some reference to slavery but difficult to translate. FYI the melody is from an old British drinking song.

I’m sick of people trying to apply the self deprecating judgments that exist today to what was going on 200 years ago. Slavery was obviously not a good thing, but it was accepted and prevalent at that time. Slaves were owned in the South and in the North. Slaves were also owned by free blacks. You can’t diminish everything those people back then accomplished because they happened to participate in something that was prevalent at that time. No more than you should be judged forever from something you may have done in the past!

[Caruso9]

No doubt in my mind, when they play that song, they will be standing and maybe even crying. (Phonies). Then once the National Anthem is played, all will take a knee. I am waiting to see if they will remove the National Anthem.