What do you when the National Anthem is played

Originally Posted By davewasbaloo

Right on Mele, I totally agree.

 

Originally Posted By davewasbaloo

FWIW though, we do have a lot of Americana in my home, and teach the children US history and culture too.

And when we go around Europe, we look at the etymology of America's origins. From the house of George Washington's father, the Magna Carta, to the sites in Spain that Columbus worked, to the birthplace of Frey Serra. A unique perspective to give them hopefully, and a better understanding of America's early roots than most Americans know (e.g. the techniques used on the battlefield of Culloden that were used in the French/British Indian wars and the War of Independence.

 

Originally Posted By Mr X

America is decidedly NOT the best place to bring up a family these days, for numerous reasons (danger being one, sadly).

Canada, some European countries, Japan certainly, and probably a couple of other Asian countries are far better choices for a middle class family these days.

I wouldn't have said that 10 years ago, but there it is.

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

Honestly? Stand, hand over my heart, and think to myself that I am very lucky to live in such a place that allows such civil liberty and freedom of expression of choice.

It's a patriotic moment for me... and honestly, it can make me tear up.

 

Originally Posted By mawnck

I secretly laugh at all the people who cheer wildly at the singer's hitting the high note at the end -- since the singer just sang the same note on "rocket's red glare" with no significant reaction.

 

Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt

"Our trip a few years ago was quietly to decide whether to move back to raise the children in the US, we decided it would not be the best for them."

Are you saying that there is no place in these fifty states suitable for raising your children? If so, that's a pretty broad statement Dave.

 

Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan

LOL, I had no idea that national anthem pissed so many people off. I haven't seen people this tweaked out about a song since "Feelings."

(I also put my hand over my heart during that song, but it's more of an acid reflux thing.)

 

Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt

Sometimes I put my hands over my ears. It depends on who is singing.

 

Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan

You guys have convinced me. The national anthem totally sucks and America is no place to raise a child. We need a new anthem.

For your consideration:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dbU2f90OAw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...U2f90OAw</a>

 

Originally Posted By Lisann22

I'm not an overly patriotic person but as a kid and well into adulthood I always stood up quietly and honored the anthem and did the pledge with respect.

I have to agree with others here the Bush years, the "your either with us or against us" mentality of that administration did me in.

Now while I still do it in honor of our troops I resent it and most times feel uncomfortable. Sadly I feel ashamed at times. It's become such a symbol of the "right wing" and their way of thinking that I no longer feel I'm apart of THAT America.

 

Originally Posted By DAR

Well the point is most people at the very least stand still and reflect quietly. Continuing to have your team warm up shows a lack of respect.

 

Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan

It's become such a symbol of the "right wing" and their way of thinking that I no longer feel I'm apart of THAT America.<<

But that's what I'm saying -- it isn't 'their' anthem or 'their' flag or whatever. The left has every right to those things as well. And we've got to get back to where appreciating the national anthem or patriotism has a broader meaning than just "I'm for conservative values." It isn't good that the far right has claimed ownership of all of that.

 

Originally Posted By Mr X

***"Our trip a few years ago was quietly to decide whether to move back to raise the children in the US, we decided it would not be the best for them."

Are you saying that there is no place in these fifty states suitable for raising your children? If so, that's a pretty broad statement Dave.***

Except that's not what he said (I hate when people put words in others' mouths).

He never said noplace would be "suitable", he said "it would not be the best for them".

Is it so unimaginable to you that other places on Earth could be better than America?

If so, I hate to break it to you, but there are LOTS of places that are significantly safer, with better education and better health care, etc...

I live in such a place. So does Dave.

We're both Americans, so it sucks for us to have to say so...but it IS so.

 

Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan

>>Is it so unimaginable to you that other places on Earth could be better than America?<<

Except that's not what he said.

 

Originally Posted By Lisann22

<<<But that's what I'm saying -- it isn't 'their' anthem or 'their' flag or whatever. The left has every right to those things as well. And we've got to get back to where appreciating the national anthem or patriotism has a broader meaning than just "I'm for conservative values." It isn't good that the far right has claimed ownership of all of that.>>>

Agree and that's why I continue to be respectful and stand there quietly. I just don't particularly like it. ;>

 

Originally Posted By gurgitoy2

"Now while I still do it in honor of our troops I resent it and most times feel uncomfortable. Sadly I feel ashamed at times. It's become such a symbol of the "right wing" and their way of thinking that I no longer feel I'm apart of THAT America."

This is pretty much how I feel. I don't mind singing the national anthem, but I feel like patriotism has become a tool, and I don't feel comfortable with the symbolism anymore. It's been tainted. Now, I still love my country, but that doesn't mean I can't find fault with it. I support the troops, appreciate what good things this country and it's people have done, and are doing. The "real Americans" crap is what's really turned me off from being overtly patriotic though.

 

Originally Posted By Princessjenn5795

I always stand with my hand over my heart. I do that because I am glad that I live in a country where I can stand up and say I do not like what is going on. I disagree with so much that is happening but I have the right to try to change it. That is not the case in so many parts of the world.

I do not sing, mainly to protect the eardrums of those standing around me. In my case, not singing the national anthem is a patriotic public service

 

Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt

"For your consideration:"

Bwahahahaha!!!

 

Originally Posted By mele

I've stood during the National Anthem,
Yeah, I've sung along with it, too,
I've been a patriot
But I've never been to me.

 

Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt

***Are you saying that there is no place in these fifty states suitable for raising your children? If so, that's a pretty broad statement Dave.***

>>Except that's not what he said (I hate when people put words in others' mouths).... Is it so unimaginable to you that other places on Earth could be better than America?<<

Except that I politely ASKED Dave if that's what he meant. You're one to talk about putting words in people's mouths.