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I get why MLB did this in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. But now it's permanent and it pisses me off. One love of country display per ballgame is enough. And GBA isn't even our national anthem. When I go to games, I absolutely refuse to observe this ritual. It's the worst kind of feaux bumper sticker 'patriotism'. If I'm at home, I change the channel. What's next--reciting the Pledge of Allegiance after every pitching change?
I attempted to get up to use the restroom, rather urgently, during the 7th inning stretch as God Bless America was beginning. As I attempted to walk down the aisle and exit my section into the tunnel, I was stopped by a police officer. He informed me that I had to wait until the song was over. I responded that I had to use the restroom and that I did not care about God Bless America. As soon as the latter came out of my mouth, my right arm was twisted violenty behind my back and I was informed that I was being escorted out of the stadium.
ETA: I wasn't there. I don't know what happened other than what this individual claims.
I'm all for showing proper respect during the National Anthem and this undue elevation of GBA's status into this level actually detracts from the appropriate respect that should be afforded the only national anthem we have.
Besides, Woody Guthrie's 'This Land is Your Land' is way better than GBA.
I feel the same way about it. We're talking about a baseball game, an entertainment event. What is it about an athletic competition that it cannot be staged without including mandatory displays of mass patriotism and affirmations of a diety? No anthem seems required before a play or an opera may commence. They don't have a break three quarters of the way through a movie so that the audience can rise and musically request the blessings of a divinity on the nation.
I'm satisfied with our governmental system but I suspect that I can get through a ballgame without this being a factor which requires revalidation each time. I do not subscribe to any theories about universal creators, yet I am supposed to stand and show respect for one such theory in the 7th inning. Should there not be some balance shown from time to time? The clubs never seem to stage "Agnostics Day" or "Socialists Day" at the park by way of fairness.
Stop complaining about GBA at Ball games ,us NASCAR fans have to put up with a prayer before the race is started. Then depending on which Southerner wins we have to endure his praising the "lord" for his win.
Stop complaining about GBA at Ball games ,us NASCAR fans have to put up with a prayer before the race is started. Then depending on which Southerner wins we have to endure his praising the "lord" for his win.
NASCAR enjoys no monopoly on performers who credit divine intervention for their success. MLB is saddled with Josh Hamilton, the NFL has Tim Tebow, I don't follow basketball or hockey, but I'm confident that those organizations are not God Squad free.
Some day we're going to hear some athlete blaming THE LORD for an on the field failure, that at least would be refreshing. "Yeah, I had a pretty good bead on that flyball, but at the last second I was blinded by a celestial light which caused me to drop it. I guess God was rooting for the other team this time. I'm going to have to redouble my devotion."
I just wish that there was some sort of balance in play. Whenever a God Squader retires and writes a book about his career, it always will have a title which makes it clear that the great feats accomplished were done so with the full backing of the Supreme Being. No athlete ever retires and writes a book called "It Was My Muscles, Not Jesus." Someone should.
stevie johnson drops game winning pass against steelers
then he drops this on God
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