"God Bless America" is completely inappropriate for the 7th inning

[cbayer]

stretch during the World Series.

It's a terrible song. It's nationalistic. It's religious. It's grossly out of place and I wonder how this came to be.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!! That is the only song that should be sung at this point in the game.

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. It's the reaction to 911 and the Yankees adopting it first as a custom and the Lemming effect

(fear of not appearing patriotic).

I couldn't agree more - and the fact that it is becoming a "tradition" for these games is just one more indication of what's wrong in this country.

[cbayer]

3. Well, I think it's time to move on.

We still have a canadian team, right? I don't think this song refers to them.

And there are people who don't believe in god.

I don't know what it would take, but I would love to see this new tradition abandoned.

How was your trip? I hope it was wonderful.

I am in Northern California and returning to Mexico in 2 days. I am very happy to be finally going home.

[NRaleighLiberal]

7. Hey pal - the trip was great - now I am back to writing (book 2).

Took the rest of the garden out today - and settling in to a pleasant autumn here. We had an amazing two weeks at Ocracoke - first was 7 straight days in the mid 70s, sunny and calm - kayaked nearly every day. Second week stayed warm but got breezy - so we recovered from our kayaking and moved on to long walks.

Maybe we will intersect somewhere next year on my book tour - so far, PNW, California, Phila, Viginia, Iowa. on the schedule, anticipating more.

[cbayer]

11. Book 2! Book Tour! That is so fantastic.

Big congratulations.



I am envious of your time in Ocracoke.

Will be in Mexico until April or May, then will probably be in the states for a month or so. Would love to meet up with you somewhere.

[murielm99]

49. We are all Americans,

the Canadians, and the many Latin American ballplayers, too.

But I prefer "Take Me Out To the Ballgame," the way the Cubs do it.

[cbayer]

51. While I agree that the term america should be inclusive,

I don't think it is in the context.

I guess I wouldn't mind it one team chose this to be the song for one game but it seems like a requirement at this point.

They have done it every single game in this series.

[murielm99]

53. How many teams do it?

I honestly do not know. I know that the Cubs don't do it. They have stayed with the traditional "Take Me Out To the Ballgame."

But I have been a fan for more than fifty years, and I remember a time when they did NO songs for the 7th inning stretch. They just played some music. Everyone stood up, stretched, grabbed a beer, went to the bathroom, etc.

[cbayer]

55. I don't know either, but it is being done every game in the world series.

After the singing tonight, they showed a commercial with Take Me Out.

I'be been going to games for about 50 years as well, and I don't remember whether there was always a song. I do remember stretching, though.

I am a Red Sox fan, but the Cubbies are my NL team.

[brooklynite]

22. The Mets never did it....

"Take Me Out To The Ballgame" followed by (God help me) "Sweet Caroline"

[NRaleighLiberal]

24. now Sweet Caroline is one I'd like to see the Red Sox get rid of!

[cbayer]

27. Seriously??

I love it.

I don't think it's the 7th inning, though. The 8th maybe?

[NRaleighLiberal]

30. nah - never! not a Neil Diamond - or any pop - fan, really

just a traditionalist - take me out to the ball game maybe. Or just a stretch!

As I type this I am watching a jazz concert on YouTube!

[cbayer]

32. I am taking advantage of my access to cable tv and

am watching Chopped. This is my favorite food show ever.

[NRaleighLiberal]

34. superb. hanging in late tonight - getting tired (last night of a double MIRT term).

have a great evening - nice catching you!

[cbayer]

26. The Red Sox do Sweet Caroline also.

And I absolutely love it.

[BeyondGeography]

2. Tell me about it

The Steinbrenners have insisted on it at EVERY Yankee game since 9/11. Thirteen years without a 7th inning stretch that reminds you of Republicans. It's brutal. We watch sports for relaxation...DUH.

[cbayer]

4. So, it started with Steinbrenner?

That's not a surprise, but why in the world has it become the norm?

It is indeed brutal.

[Fred Sanders]

10. They are business owners, keep your politics out of the game....it is about fun. Period.

[yourout]

5. Totally agree.....

I hate it.

[cbayer]

6. What do you think we could do to stop it?

I would love to see a movement to change this.

[Cartoonist]

9. In God we trust

I think we'll see that come off our money before we see an end to God Bless America sung at ballgames.

[cbayer]

12. Well, I'm not so sure.

The singing of this song is relatively new in comparison to the motto on the money.

I would love to see that phrase come off of the money, but would be more optimistic about removing the song from the ballgames.

[Cartoonist]

14. Take it to court

It's possible that someone will take the slogan IGWT to court, or maybe even Congress or the President might take the initiative. But Baseball is under no obligation legally or otherwise to change what they do.

[cbayer]

15. Agree that you could make a legal case for removing the phrase from money,

and probably not for the song being sung at ballgames.

But baseball is a business and will cave rapidly to public pressure.

[msongs]

8. do they play god bless ISIS at ISIS sporting events? nt

[cbayer]

13. ISIS sporting events?

Sometimes your pith is just not that pithy.

[Fumesucker]

25. Inshallah

[Capt.Rocky300]

16. The great thing about having a dvr is................

you can fast forward through that and commercials. The downside is when your friend who's watching it in real time texts you "what fantastic play!" and you have no idea what he's talking about. Of course, you know a fantastic play is coming up.

[cbayer]

17. Yep, I wish I had one.

OTOH, some of the commercials are pretty hilarious.

[Capt.Rocky300]

18. Yes they are.....

so if I see one that looks unfamiliar pops up while fast forwarding I back it up and watch it. Once.

[cbayer]

19. Love your pumpkin!

Hope you have a wonderful Halloween.

[Capt.Rocky300]

20. Thanks.......

we love Halloween. My wife goes crazy decorating. We're in the woods so we don't have Trick or Treaters but the raccoons and deer seem to enjoy them.

Hope you have a great and fun Halloween too.

[cbayer]

21. Thank you Capt. Rocky

I had the distinct pleasure of making decorations with 7 and 10 year old boys.

[Capt.Rocky300]

38. I got hooked on Halloween even before that age..........

The trick or treating, the school carnival with games and haunted house. It was safe and fun back then. Good on you for helping the kids enjoy it.

[cbayer]

43. I always loved it as well.

I wil be in Mexico for Day of the Dead, which is just as much fun as H'ween, imo.

[Capt.Rocky300]

50. Happy Día de los Muertos to you!

[cbayer]

52. Thanks!

It happens to be my birthday as well, so it is extra special for me.

[Capt.Rocky300]

54. Well then......

[longship]

23. It is a horrible song.

It has nothing whatever to do with baseball. Some people want to make it church everywhere.

What's next? Jesus Loves Me?

[Fumesucker]

28. Onward Christian Soldiers is more likely

[cbayer]

29. Agree. I sort of understand that uber-patriotism after 9/11,

but now it just seems like uber-religiousness.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

66. It is a horrible song

So much treacle that I can feel my teeth rotting each time I am forced to hear it.

[yeoman6987]

31. I like it!

To each their own I guess. Of all thing to worry about. I guess life is pretty good if this upsets you. Hopefully most in America will disagree with you. I think they will!

[cbayer]

35. It doesn't upset me. It just irritates me.

I grew up with singing Take Me Out to the Ballpark.

Most of america may disagree with me, but I don't think that's a good thing. When you create a tradition that clearly excludes some, I think you have a problem.

[yeoman6987]

39. Maybe "take me out to the ball game"

Would work, but I guess New York at this time doesn't see it that way quite yet. Give it time.

[NYC_SKP]

37. It's a great post and question and could be in the music, sports, or religion group.

I give it a ten!

[cbayer]

40. You are my hero.

:luvya:

Wish I could get to see you while I am in CA but I'm north of SF and you are south.

[NYC_SKP]

45. I move around a lot, near Sacramento tonight, then...

Over in Soquel and Santa Cruz tomorrow, then back to Sac and over to Palo Alto on Friday for pre-op.

Sac over the weekend through Monday, Palo Alto Tuesday for surgery.

One of these days we'll be able to meet up!

[cbayer]

48. So close, but so far.

I will be driving from the Fortuna area to San Fran tomorrow.

What kind of surgery are you having? Is your brain still messed up?

[NYC_SKP]

65. San Fran, not far from Palo Alto - Stanford Hospital!

Yes, another messed up brain procedure! Friday is pre-op look see, Tuesday is surgery day.



The second surgery for infection left a poorly healed divot on my temple hat they feel needs another go, with their plastic surgery department coming in to wrap it up and leave it looking better.

Swelling has begun, so they want to do it ASAP.

[cbayer]

69. I am so sorry to hear this.

I hope your surgery goes well. I will have left the country but will keep you in my thoughts.

[mindwalker_i]

33. How about, "America, Fuck Yeah!"

[cbayer]

36. Is that a song?

[NYC_SKP]

41. We could make it a song!

And the words make more sense. A LOT more sense!

[cbayer]

46. Take me out to America, Fuck yeah!

Take me out with the crowd, Fuck yeah!

Buy me some fucking peanuts and cracker jack.

I don't care if I ever come back, Fuck yeah!

[mindwalker_i]

68. It's the theme to the movie "Team America, World Police"

One of the best and most fucked up movies of all time.

[cbayer]

70. Aha, the south park guys!

Genius, pure genius.

[Turbineguy]

42. It's a ball game.

The expectation is that the Lord will take time out from his busy schedule of talking to TV preachers about Obama and show which team he prefers.

[NYC_SKP]

44. It was written during WWI, revived during WW2, and inspired Woody Guthries "Your Land is My Land"

"This Land Is Your Land" was originally titled "God Blessed America For Me".

Did you know that?

Makes me hate the Irving Berlin "favorite" all the more.

It was one thing to play it during a war, and long ago, but now? And forever?

[cbayer]

47. I did not know that.

I would love to see them switch to "your land is my land".

I'd even get out my harpsichord, lol.

[3rdwaydem]

56. Ooooooweeee "Nationalistic"......"religious"

A "terrible" song?

Come on. Just stand there remaining silent next time and let the other 60,000 people in the ballpark enjoy themselves while they sing a time honored, classic song which is an important part of our county's history and it's cultural fabric.

Sorry friend but your strange views on this subject do not and should not keep the other 99.9 percent from enjoying thselves as they attend this uniquely American sport
which for generations has been known as "the American pastime."

[cbayer]

57. I would just stand there silent, but I don't' think all 60,000 people are enjoying it.

It's not fun. It's not a singalong. And it doesn't speak for everyone.

It may be a part of our culture and history, but it doesn't include everyone.

99.9% of the population of the US is not religious. And religion has no place in an event that is attended or watched by all kinds of americans.

I love baseball. I love the diversity of fans that attend games.

I object to a song that exclude some people. There are plenty of songs that would not require that some people just stand there and remain silent.

My views are not strange at all.

[3rdwaydem]

58. I am a native New Yorker.

I live in a blue state and a dark blue city. I am a Yankees season ticket holder.

I have been to many games. I have never seen anyone refuse to sing this song or heard of anyone who protests it's use before. I have never seen anything other than every fan, in my field of view, standing up, singing enthusiastically and applauding at the conclusion of the song.

I do not know of a single Democratic elected official in New York who has raised the concerns you have raised in your thread.

I just think you have gone off the deep end here. So, next time your at a game, remain seated and be silent as you say. But please, don't mind if the rest of us enjoy singing this classic song. Also, don't think for a minute that any significant numbers of New Yorkers would want to change this policy. We New Yorkers are predominantly liberal but we recognize that we are America's cultural and financial capital and we are proudly patriotic and in love with our country - as are most Americans.

By the way, our Nation Anthem is very nationalistic. Do you remain silent when it is played at the ballpark?

In a public meeting, do you remain silent when everyone else stands to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? That too is nationalistic and has a reference about God?

Do you use a credit or debit card instead of cash because cash has that thing on it about "In God we trust" and that very nationalistic Latin phrase which translates into "from many one."

By the way, you have the right to do all of this. I don't care, I just curious.

By the way, when next season starts this April, if you are in the city here, look me up via DU. I'll be happy to take you to a game.

To those of us who went through 911 - I was working in the Financial District when the attacks occurred, you'll find that this tradition has a special meaning to us.

[cbayer]

61. So do you think atheists stand and sing with enthusiasm?

I don't think this is a life-threatening issue, but I do think it's inappropriate. When you invoke god, you exclude those that don't believe in god.

It's not necessary to do that.

The National Anthem also includes a reference to god, but it's not the headline, so perhaps just somewhat less exclusive.

Are you not aware that a not insignificant percentage of our population are atheists or agnostics?

The 1st amendment in this country protects the right to religious belief, but I think it also protects those without religious belief.

People do go through the motions, but it is unfair to expect people to do that when something is happening that they don't believe in.

You should know that I am a huge Red Sox fan, so I'm not sure that you want to take me to a Yankees game. A Mets game, on the other hand, might be a lot of fun.

My sincere and heartfelt wishes go to you for what you have endured from 9/11. I am also a survivor of a major national tragedy.

Religion has played a very positive role in the recovery process, but there have been other factors as well.

My objection is that there is a tradition being established here that excludes some people..

[3rdwaydem]

59. Oh one other thing...

You said that you would "stand there silent." Why even stand? By standing are you not going along with everyone else and, in a diluted way, also paying homage to the messege of God Bless America?

I mean if you are against it, why stand?

[cbayer]

62. I would stand in order not to offend others.

If it were a situation where I think I could make a point, I might not stand. Say a small gathering of people where I had some credibility.

One must choose their battles.

[3rdwaydem]

60. Also, best wishes on your book tour!

I have the week off and it is almost 3am here. Time to sleep.

[cbayer]

63. It's my friend NRaleighLiberal who has the book tour, not me.

He has written a book about heirloom tomatoes, which is really cool.

Have a great sleep. It's almost time for me.

[trotsky]

64. Just wanted to thank you for that exchange, 3rdwaydem.

cbayer routinely scolds others for not deferring enough to her beliefs, so it's a real treat to see the tables turned and her hypocrisy put on display for all to see.

[3rdwaydem]

67. No, thank you Trotsky. Your comments are much appreciated.

[RandiFan1290]

73. Buh bye!

[truebrit71]

71. I am in the uncomfortable position of agreeing with you.

It rubs me the wrong way too, not just because it injects a totally unnecessary tone of jingoism into an athletic event, but because it suggests that there is only one god, and he/she or it should bless ONLY the USA....

Oh, and stop calling it the WORLD series, and calling the victors 'WORLD Champions' until you invite teams from other countries to play...you know like the WORLD CUP for football that they just had in Brazil where the winners actually played teams from OTHER COUNTRIES...

*I shall now go back to disagreeing with everything else you say Cbayer...

[cbayer]

72. I don't know if you know this, but I am married to a brit.

And he also stridently objects to this being called the world series. You two might actually get along.

We probably agree on much more than we disagree on, tb. We just have to look for and recognize those things.

So I hope you will not make it your missions to disagree with everything I say.

BTW, I am in San Francisco at this moment and it is on fire - both figuratively and literally.