For me it would be similar to praying before eating. I will not object if others want to do it. I will even be quiet so they can do it in peace. But I will not join them.
Actually I am not shocked at all. I see worse things every day. Just an observation that sparked interest.
Actually you are comparing Apples and Oranges. I was just throwing out some issues that are an actual concern in the USA right now when, by your initial comment, you seemed to be outraged because people are not putting their hands on their hearts during the anthem and you proceeded to ask questions like 'what is happening to this country'. Anyways a number of valid reasons have been mentioned throughout this thread (e.g.: it is not an international competition/not all players are Americans, the players have to get up for the anthem over 100 times per year, etc.) BUT: Getting up for an anthem can't be equated to having good manners though. I consider myself to be well mannered and respectful of others and that is what most people tell me too. I do not however stand up for the national anthem and definitely don't sing along (though I do for the US anthem sometimes, just cause it is like a catchy pop song lol) because personally, I don't see why I should. There are a number of reasons for that but that would end up being one looooong comment, so I'm going to leave it at that. Point is: people shouldn't be offended if people behave/act differently during the national anthem (whether you wanna get up for it and sing along, put your arm on your heart or not), as long as you are respectful of others if you are at a venue where the anthem is being played/performed (i.e: don't talk loudly or interrupt people who want to enjoy the anthem). Respect always goes both ways! - just because people might act differently to how you'd want them to act, does NOT mean they are being disrespectful, does NOT mean that they are bad role models, does NOT mean that they are the reason a country might go to sh**s.
It's good to see other opinions. Some people are offended in different ways. I personally am not offended if someone doesn't remove their shoes in my house but in some cultures people would be offended. I could list 100 examples of things that may offend certain people that don't offend me, but offend others, so yes, everyone is different.
I don't put my hand over my heart. I wouldn't take my hat off either if I ever wore one. I stand quietly and patiently wait for this stupid ritual to pass. Pretty much the same thing I do when anyone around me asks me to pray. I show respect for this nation by being honest, working hard and offering a hand to those who need it. I don't need to perform petty acts of patriotism or engage in idol worship (the flag is a piece of cloth) to prove to complete strangers that I'm thankful I was born here over 99% of places anywhere else on this planet. OP, thanks for your service to this country but I couldn't care less if other people not following your concept of what this country is owed by its citizens offends you.
I never. ever post but had to chime in here. You did absolutely nothing for the freedoms I enjoy today.
I can understand why you feel differently about it since you view it as a stupid ritual, petty act of patriotism and idol worship. That helps me understand why it doesn't offend you. Thanks for your opinion.
You are correct and that's fair. I guess it's why I feel it's an option, but not expected because often at baseball games they'll ask people to stand and remove their hats. In the parks I've been to, I haven't heard them say to place your hand over your heart. I have seen folks do that. So I looked at it as optional and not a sign of disrespect as long as people stand and remove their hats. But your post of the Federal code makes sense. I'll modify my statement. My new official position is that it is actually more correct to place your hand over the heart, but still not necessarily a sign of disrespect as long as you are standing with no hat on your head.
I can never, and will never understand staunch patriotism. Pledging your life to a piece of land bounded by imaginary borders by human beings. Pretty pathetic IMO
I think the military of course has an important role in safeguarding the security of Americans, here and abroad. Whether some of the operations they've engaged in actually did this is debatable (e.g. Iraq invasion), and I hope you don't take offense to that. The other point about protecting our freedoms seems like a separate thing. On that topic, I think its a legitimate question how military expeditions abroad are protecting our rights at home. Or maybe by "freedoms" you are including security.
I must confess: I take off my hat and put my hand over my heart at Rockets games, but for purely superstitious reasons. They will lose for sure, if I don't do that.
I hope you weren't referring to the men and women who proudly serve our country when you called it pretty pathetic.
it's crazy if you think about the billions of people on this planet who fought and died for a land, a country, a flag, etc..., that doesn't even exist anymore.
Are you talking about pledging your life, or pledging your allegiance? Completely different things. Military pledges both. Civilians pledge allegiance ... which merely means they won't betray their country. What are you, a gypsy? I guarantee you are a hypocrite. Spoiled by the fact your land is not being actively contested by people from other lands. The moment a contest for land happens, your tune will change. Do you not care if someone pitches tent in your yard? Borders (like land rights) are merely to create a negotiated understanding between parties. You break that understanding and trouble happens. And then pledging your allegiance to protecting that land becomes real.
New America 1. Better to have a SHOW OF PRIDE than to have actual pride 2. Traditions are ridiculous and should all be abolished 3. Having freedoms and using freedoms are two different things and just because you have them does not mean you get to use them We are a strange country Rocket River
