MSF HS Takes a knee....can SMS be far behind

[jazzpt55]

Clay do you play the Anthem at the WCJ...finals?

http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/16/bay-area-prep-team-follows-colin-kaepernicks-lead/

 

[ClayK]

Speaking only for me, and not any organization or school or publication I have ever been affiliated with, I don't like the playing of the anthem at any sporting event. It isn't done anywhere else around the world, and in a way, I find it almost disrespectful -- if we play the anthem before any kind of event, it should be before government meetings or presidential debates or events that involve the workings of our democracy, not a game played for fun.

So insofar as I have any influence, I consistently advocate for not playing the anthem, as I think the constant repetition (12 times in two days at the state championships, for example) drains its impact. It has become a tradition since World War II, but not all traditions necessarily deserve to endure, and this is one I would like to see disappear (not that it ever will).

 

[Paytc]

Speaking only for me, and not any organization or school or publication I have ever been affiliated with, I don't like the playing of the anthem at any sporting event. It isn't done anywhere else around the world, and in a way, I find it almost disrespectful -- if we play the anthem before any kind of event, it should be before government meetings or presidential debates or events that involve the workings of our democracy, not a game played for fun.

So insofar as I have any influence, I consistently advocate for not playing the anthem, as I think the constant repetition (12 times in two days at the state championships, for example) drains its impact. It has become a tradition since World War II, but not all traditions necessarily deserve to endure, and this is one I would like to see disappear (not that it ever will).

I think some day it will be replaced with a more suitable anthem that is written and produced in a time with less hatred and more equality. The way we pay respect to our family and friends who are serving or who have served, and// or died for their love of this country is better shown by the way we treat our fellow Americans, not by standing for a questionable anthem and bowing before a flag. That's like the demons who go to church service all the while living in hateful ways as soon as they leave the church. People should have the right to stand or not (play the anthem or not) depending on how they are feeling about the reasons they should participate in the first place. I was never into the bully at school, so I'll never be into advocating the bullying of anyone. If something is good enough it doesn't have to be forced upon everyone.

 

[mkbgdns]

I'm with Clay. The anthem and the flag are not the same, although the former is a love song of sorts to the latter, in a context of war and battle. Anyway, neither has anything to do with girls' basketball, or any sport for that matter. "Patriotism" is usually connected with risking your life for your country (actually, soldiers risk their lives for each other) or, preferably, killing the other guy. I actually think sport has a nobler goal, which is why different countries can compete peaceably.