When did the US National Anthem become solely associated........

[mrmpa]

Last edited Mon Aug 29, 2016, 08:44 PM - Edit history (1)

with the Armed Services?

I keep reading it & hearing it. Today, Alejandro Villanuevo, A West Point Grad and offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, said that Colin Kaepernick's not standing for the Anthem was disrespectful to those serving in the Armed Services. No it is not. The anthem is not about those serving and having served, it's not about our military (though it was written during a war), it is supposed to represent the US as a whole. Since the US isn't working for everybody, why should he stand?

Why is so much of what is associated with the US, militaristic and nationalistic?

Why do you even play the National Anthem at the start of games, from Little League through the Pros? Let's pick another song. Why not Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land"? At least the thought of this being a "fair" land is in the lyrics of this song and no one will care if I sit or stand.

Even my 86 year old mother agrees that Kaepernick has the right to sit. This is a woman who lived through the Depression and at least 6 wars, also the widow of a 15 year US Marine Corps veteran.

[maxsolomon]

1. When the Military started lying to itself

that our wars of choice were about "protecting our freedom".

Basically, after Reagan was elected.

[enough]

7. Long before that. (nt)

[Glitterati]

2. I have family who are Jehova's Witnesses

They don't pledge allegiance to anything, nor do they stand for the national anthem.

Kids see this behavior in their classrooms and schools all the time. Those screaming about this football player are just looking for a reason to be offended.

[enough]

8. Right. (nt)

[liberal N proud]

3. When the war mongering right hijacked patriotism

I think after 9/11 is when I became aware of their sick sense on nationalism.

[Dawson Leery]

9. +1,000,000

[Dustlawyer]

4. You can burn an American flag as a protest, why not refuse to stand during the anthem?

Protests by their nature are designed to draw attention to a real or perceived wrong. His protest was in the American tradition, and speaks more for America and our eroding freedoms than standing during a usually horrible singing of the national anthem.

His protest required sacrifice, as he would have been all too aware, yet this man chose to stand up for injustice. He is jeopardizing his career and most certainly his income in taking this stand. I bet those critical of him would never take a position on something important that had the same negative effect on their bottom line. They cannot even understand feeling something so strong as the desire for justice for others.

[Wounded Bear]

5. Marine here, 1970-77...

I served to protect the right of people like Kaep to freely express themselves.

Much ado about nothing.

[mrmpa]

6. Semper Fi........

Dad was in from 1948 to 1961. His first assignment was Shanghai, China. Korean War Vet and Chosin Reservoir survivor.

[Ilsa]

10. Excellent post and thread. Thanks to all of you. nt

[niyad]

11. hmm, people pissed at this football player like they were at gabby douglas???

[KT2000]

12. have noticed that many holidays

are now about the military - Memorial Day and Veteran's Day, of course, but also 4th of July, Flag Day and Presidents Day.

Is Labor Day even about workers anymore? Every holiday is about shopping too.

[IronLionZion]

13. Because outrage is easier than addressing racial oppression

and it feels easier to get outraged about a football player protesting our national anthem, than to feel outraged that Americans are being legally and publicly executed in this country simply because their skin makes them appear dangerous while really dangerous murderous people get to live because they have less threatening skin.

In fact, if you don't get outraged by the anthem protest, then you probably are not enjoying the full benefits and privileges that many Americans of color are being denied, including those who served in a segregated military or got blocked out from promotions and important missions, or from even enlisting.

After 9/11, military recruiters were often openly hostile to brown people trying to enlist for the same reason brown people always seem to get the completely random extra airport screenings.