Originally Posted by blueash (Post 1797214)

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.

Originally Posted by JulieER (Post 1796756)

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?

Originally Posted by thomp679 (Post 1797265)

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.

Originally Posted by TexaninVA (Post 1797273)

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.

Originally Posted by thomp679 (Post 1797263)

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.

Originally Posted by billethkid (Post 1797294)

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

Originally Posted by thomp679 (Post 1797301)

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.

Originally Posted by TexaninVA (Post 1797257)

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

Originally Posted by valuemkt (Post 1797326)

. 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 ?

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 1796649)

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.