Gothamist: Yanks Blast Jays

larry dvm

Thu, 22 Jul 2004 14:11:22 -0500

We shouldn't let this debate get off track--while "God Bless America" is arguably jingoistic, militaristic, and sexist, the MORE IMPORTANTLY fact is that it is a SHOW TUNE! And a bad one at that! It's not the National Anthem. My sister (a veteran) and I like to be the first to the toilets during the seventh inning stretch, while everyone else is acting as if "God Bless America" is the National Anthem--it gets us back to our seats quickly enough to enjoy the real American tradition--singing "Take Me Out." We are fiercely reverent toward the National Anthem, as is appropriate.

KidCros

Thu, 22 Jul 2004 14:02:38 -0500

First of all this is America. We have certain "FREEDOMS". If what he is doing does not disrubt the game or physically hurt people, just forget about it. If we force players to do things that does not require a bat, ball or glove that just ain't right. I'm a huge Yankee fan and I bet if he waived his no trade clause and wanted to come to NYC, not many would be upset.

tien

Thu, 22 Jul 2004 12:34:13 -0500

now those are the open arms that helped build this fine country we all love so much.

Ctrain

Thu, 22 Jul 2004 12:12:54 -0500

If the country is so bad that you can't stand for a song to pay respect then FUCKING leave! No one is forcing you to be here.

JK

Thu, 22 Jul 2004 12:09:10 -0500

Not even counting the stupidity of interrupting a baseball game for something that has nothing to do with the game itself, God Bless America just seems like a bizarre song to me. Shouldn't God bless everyone? Is God American? I don't get it. As for CTrain, why baseball players or fans be *forced* to show respect for their country. For many, respect is a private matter. Moreover, singing the national anthem before the game would seem to accomplish what you want. Good for Delgado.

CTrain

Thu, 22 Jul 2004 11:47:45 -0500

"God Bless America" has nothing to do with the War. If you are American, or living in America, you should have enough respect to stand for the song. The Song is not pro-war, or Pro-Bush or anything political. It is a song sung out of respect for the greatest country in the world. You can protest in columns, you can voice your opinion on the radio, but you would NOT be able to do that if this country were not as grat as it is. So have some respect.

tien

Thu, 22 Jul 2004 11:21:12 -0500

i think what delgado is doing is fine. he's expressing his displeasure with the war and it's his right. fan's here or anywhere else have no right to disrespect that. i think god bless america has no place at baseball games. see also, william rhoden's take on it.