Damn Yankees.

Is it just me? I really can’t stand the singing of “God Bless America” during the 7th inning of major league baseball games. Does anyone actually like this song? Isn’t “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” a much more appropriate jingle? I realize this gesture started in the aftermath of 9/11 and for some reason it still seems oddly appropriate if done at Yankees games, particularly Yankee playoff games...but since there do not seem to be anymore Yankee playoff games in the offing, this “tradition” has spread to places not directly affected by the attacks. I say we should put a stop to it, now.

The song itself is a behemoth, made famous in some way by the bombastic Kate Smith in a generation far, far away. If we are going to demonstrate passive patriotism via a ritual song, then I’d suggest “America the Beautiful”, though I’d far rather listen to Ray Charles sing it than a throng of beer soaked fans-- Ray Charles made it his own, and in so doing, showed that even songs we have heard hundreds of times could be made new again. JImi Hendrix did the same thing with the “Star Spangled Banner” but for some reason, it never caught on with a certain segment of the population.

I think standing at the outset of an event, hats off, or a hand upon our heart is enough of a symbolic gesture to accompany our leisure activities. “The Star Spangled Banner” is a high risk endeavor. Not easy to sing. The risk of complete failure adds a certain zest to the proceedings...But, the 7th inning stretch should be a time to take stock of the circulation in our legs, perhaps grab one last pretzel, or simply sing along casually or gleefully to the best song ever written about our national pastime. Why clutter it up with a lapel pin moment?

When did I become "un-American"?

Dear Republican Surrogates...

If you believe patriotism is only found in blind allegiance to what our government feeds us, you are sadly mistaken. This great country, my friends, was born out of dissent. Your party, and its "leaders" have had the reins of power for 8 years now. You have blown it, and we doth protest. We despise your unnecessary war, we scoff at your allegations that we spend money unwisely, when it is YOU that live in a very fragile glass house. Each and every time one of you call us un-American because we do not like your failed president, and his criminal understudies, you be-little yourselves. We wish only to dispatch your candidate as Bush's successor to the ash bin of history, along with his cynical vice presidential candidate. We do not seek to question his patriotism or his loyalties, only to rebuke his methods.

You however cannot exit with grace it appears. You must slander those who feel maybe it is time for the government to work for it's citizens as opposed to imposing it's will around the globe-- while ignoring pressing needs like alternative energy, healthcare for those left behind, and a crumbling infrastructure. Calling us un-American because we oppose YOU casts you in the same light as McCarthy. The tactics are not unlike a certain German leader in the middle of the last century. You should be ashamed of yourselves, and next time you place a flag pin upon your lapel, or hang a flag beside your front door, consider the lives given in support of freedom, and understand, please, that to be free is not the same as to be sheep. I am proudly American, and yet I am ashamed by the tactics of the right. If you cannot defend your candidate with dignity, then shut up.