[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

The words to God Bless the USA are poignant to what happened on 9/11. It continues to rouse Americans to REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET. If the words do not hit your heart, that's fine. No one will make you stand.

If you are one of those who stand because you feel obliged, isn't that your problem? Remain seated, if you prefer. This is America! Everyone is free to do as they wish. You will not suffer any consequences because you did not stand.

I have heard that song hundreds of times. It still moves me, makes me proud that I live in a country where I am free, and any foreigner who tries to take that away, will be sorry they messed with me. I'll defend this country and my rights until the day I die! You can consider my standing a WARNING to anyone who may try to take down the red, white, and blue.

You’re selective....and arbitrary in your choices of patriotic themes. And how you measure others patriotism.

I didn’t tell you....or anyone else...what I do. I don’t let anyone dictate patriotism to me. You can hang your hat on the....1984...Lee Greenwood track for an event that happened in 2001. Whitney Houston’s 1991 rendition of Star -Spangled Banner at the 1991 Super Bowl is what most consider the modern version of the anthem. We were at war (Iraq Persian Gulf). That moved the nation. Don’t question or arrive at a conclusion of another person that you clearly don’t know....or know anything about.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

You’re selective....and arbitrary in your choices of patriotic themes. And how you measure others patriotism.

I didn’t tell you....or anyone else...what I do. I don’t let anyone dictate patriotism to me. You can hang your hat on the....1984...Lee Greenwood track for an event that happened in 2001. Whitney Houston’s 1991 rendition of Star -Spangled Banner at the 1991 Super Bowl is what most consider the modern version of the anthem. We were at war (Iraq Persian Gulf). That moved the nation. Don’t question or arrive at a conclusion of another person that you clearly don’t know....or know anything about.

I was using the pronoun YOU to acknowledge ANYONE who doesn't understand or feel a need to stand for God Bless The USA. I wasn't pointing my finger directly at Shipping up to Boston. To me, it's fine that some do not want to stand. I understand they have had different experiences in life. Sitting may be their way to demonstrate their views.

Talk about not knowing someone! I came face to face with the men who drove the planes into the Twin Towers. I owned a store in John's Pass, the area they were headquartered. They came to my store, often. I remember their faces, I remember their smell, I remember their clothes, most of all, I remember the hatred in their eyes. I can never forget! If my standing to a song that forces me to remember offends you, SORRY! I can just be me.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

I was using the pronoun YOU to acknowledge ANYONE who doesn't understand or feel a need to stand for God Bless The USA. I wasn't pointing my finger directly at Shipping up to Boston. To me, it's fine that some do not want to stand. I understand they have had different experiences in life. Sitting may be their way to demonstrate their views.

Talk about not knowing someone! I came face to face with the men who drive the planes into the World Trade Center. I owned a store in John's Pass in the area they were headquartered. They came to my store often. I remember their faces, I remember their smell, I remember their clothes, most of all, I remember the hatred in their eyes. I can never forget! If my standing offense to a song that forces me to remember, SORRY! I can just be me.

Still doesn’t give you the right to question anybody else’s patriotism. My point!

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

Still doesn’t give you the right to question anybody else’s patriotism. My point!

Wasnt questioning anyone! I said if YOU, (meaning all) feel obliged to stand, Dont do it for their sake. Sit because you believe that is best for you. Nothing will happen to you (meaning all) if you remain seated. We live in America where people are free to do as they wish.

Explaining why I choose to stand doesn't mean I am in any way offended by those who remain seated.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

Wasnt questioning anyone! I said if YOU, (meaning all) feel obliged to stand, Dont do it for their sake. Sit because you believe that is best for you. Nothing will happen to you (meaning all) if you remain seated. We live in America where people are free to do as they wish.

Explaining why I choose to stand doesn't mean I am in any way offended by those who remain seated.

Actually, Americans have been standing ever since that song was written. Became more prevalent immediately after 9/11.

Villagers stand for EVERY PATRIOTIC song, veterans, memorials, waving or carrying of the flag, etc. Even those who are crippled and need walkers. Whoever runs or wins the presidency, Villagers always remain patriotic. Sometimes, I am amazed by their love of this country. Sorry, you feel differently. But, I understand your viewpoint.
Last edited by margaretmattson; Yesterday at 07:29 PM.

The above is what you sent to another poster....and is what I was referring to....in addition to your posts since. If you know the patriotic patterns of 135K ‘Villagers’ as well as all ‘Americans ‘..I’m impressed.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

Actually, Americans have been standing ever since that song was written. Became more prevalent immediately after 9/11.

Villagers stand for EVERY PATRIOTIC song, veterans, memorials, waving or carrying of the flag, etc. Even those who are crippled and need walkers. Whoever runs or wins the presidency, Villagers always remain patriotic. Sometimes, I am amazed by their love of this country. Sorry, you feel differently. But, I understand your viewpoint.
Last edited by margaretmattson; Yesterday at 07:29 PM.

The above is what you sent to another poster....and is what I was referring to....in addition to your posts since. If you know the patriotic patterns of 135K ‘Villagers’ as well as all ‘Americans ‘..I’m impressed.

I guess you chose to ignore my sentence...Sorry, you feel differently. BUT I UNDERSTAND YOUR VIEWPOINT. I was opposing that poster's belief that standing for God Bless the USA was attached to a particular person running for president. I do not believe that. I have lived here over 20 years. I've seen Villagers Stand! And yes! For God Bless the USA! Way before someone chose to run for president. Immediately after 9/11, God Bless the USA was played every night in the square. Flags and bumper stickers with the wording God Bless the USA were EVERYWHERE. Not just in the Villages, but in cities throughout America.

No, I don't know how ALL Villagers think and believe. Just like you do not know the person you are coming at. I am NOTHING like the person you describe. Just someone posting about things I have witnessed. If we accidentally met in the square, we would probably have a nice chat and enjoy the night. TOTV is like texting. If you (meaning all) read with the wrong emotion, you (meaning all) may have an argument over nothing.

BTW: If I saw OBB sitting while God Bless the USA was playing, I would give her a nod and a smile. "Good for you OBB! Remain seated and demonstrate. Love a woman who is not afraid to express her views."

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

I guess you chose to ignore my sentence...Sorry, you feel differently. BUT I UNDERSTAND YOUR VIEWPOINT. I was opposing that poster's believe standing for God Bless the USA was attached to a particular person running for president. I do not believe that. I have lived here over 20 years. I've seen Villagers Stand! Way before someone chose to run for president.

No, I don't know how all Villagers think and believe. Just like you do not know the person you are coming at. I am NOTHING like the person you describe. Just someone posting about things I have witnessed. If we accidentally met in the square, we would probably have a nice chat and enjoy the night. TOTV is like texting. If you (meaning all) read with the wrong emotion, you (meaning all) may have an argument over nothing.

It’s all good
I’m not ‘coming at you’ or ‘describing’ you. Was only referencing your posts and observations . I agree it gets ambiguous on here. Too many....general statement...describe behaviors, patterns and actions of Villagers as if they are at a general store in Appalachia ( no offense to them...beautiful area). We’re a ‘community’ of 135K spread out over 35 sq. mi......I will never relent or concede to anyone when it comes to blanket statements like the ones that get posted on the daily across this forums threads on those specific representations. Again, general statement. It’s become my pet peeve!

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

It’s all good
I’m not ‘coming at you’ or ‘describing’ you. Was only referencing your posts and observations . I agree it gets ambiguous on here. Too many....general statement...describe behaviors, patterns and actions of Villagers as if they are at a general store in Appalachia ( no offense to them...beautiful area). We’re a ‘community’ of 135K spread out over 35 sq. mi......I will never relent or concede to anyone when it comes to blanket statements like the ones that get posted on the daily across this forums threads on those specific representations. Again, general statement. It’s become my pet peeve!

Looks like we both learned something during our back and forth. People choose to stand, OR SIT, for patriotic songs because of memories or experiences that sting their hearts. If you appreciate those who stand, I promise to acknowledge those who remain seated. What the he!!! I may even stay seated to fight their cause. You only live once.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Randall55

I have been here for almost 20 years. When I read the article, I thought most was spot on. I have never seen upside-down pineapples, an Italian woman who scrutinizes and watches everyone, or mob leaders throwing dead bodies into Lake Sumter. That's a bit of an unnecessary stretch.

For those of you who stated there are no wild parties with lots of drinking, have you been to the squares? Late-night restaurants? Have you seen the MANY unflattering mugshots of Villagers arrested for DUI? Indecent exposure? Fights? Reckless driving? Relieving themselves in public? Possession of child porn? Drugs? Retail theft? Domestic Violence? If not, you must be living under a rock.

Please do not respond that most of this is done by non-Villagers. Wrong! Reports of the incidents provide their age, village they live in, address, and for whatever reason the amount they paid for their home. C'mon! I know you have seen these reports. Why try to deny it? When company comes, I insist they stay alert. Anything can happen in this town!

Got ask, where did all these villagers come from? If they was drunks, drug addicts, adulterers, woman beater’s, bad drivers, and rude. Villages is NOT magically gone to change them. IMO it will probably make them worse.