Major League Baseball must permanently retire ‘God Bless America,’ a song that offends everyone

[rug]

GERSH KUNTZMAN
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, June 30, 2016, 5:00 AM

It’s time for God to stop blessing America during the seventh-inning stretch.

Welcome to the July 4 holiday weekend — when once again, baseball fans will be assaulted by the saccharine-sweet non-anthem “God Bless America” at stadia all over this great land.

But no matter which home team you root, root, root for, “God Bless America” should be sent permanently to the bench.

Now, don’t get me wrong: When Major League Baseball ordered all teams to play the patriotic jingle after 9/11, I didn’t immediately object. Standing with my fellow fans, as one, and singing a paean to our country provided catharsis, comfort and shared heartache.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/major-league-baseball-permanently-retire-god-bless-america-article-1.2693228?utm_content=bufferad61c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[Socal31]

1. Meh.

I am an athiest and don't even realize that song is being sung when I'm at the game.

On the list of religious nonsense that permeates public life, that is right down there with "in god we trust" on currency.

[George II]

2. It doesn't offend me, so I guess saying "everyone" is an exaggeration.

[Cryptoad]

3. I like Blessings no matter who gives them!

[malthaussen]

4. Mr Kuntzman should speak for himself.

"Everyone" is clearly hyperbole.

-- Mal

[unblock]

11. He did speak for himself. It's an opinion

And he merely cited a few individuals and statistics. He didn't say "everyone", at least I'm not seeing that word in the article.

[TheCowsCameHome]

5. Kuntzman has too much time on his hands.

[rug]

6. Well, he does cover baseball games for a living.

Lots of time to muse.

[Mariana]

12. I can understand how it got old

listening to that lousy song, day after day, for years.

[rug]

13. At least it broke up the monotony of the game a bit.

[bluestateguy]

15. If your team needs time to warm up a pitcher in the bullpen, it can buy a little extra time

Of course, the ole "accidental" ball gets loose on the field from the bullpen trick still works too.

[hrmjustin]

7. I never cared for that song so I would support retiring that song.

[rug]

8. Me too. Along with the National Anthem at every freakin game.

[hrmjustin]

9. I prefer Take me out to the ballgame.

[rug]

10. Yeah. Are we supposed to parachute into Iran after the game?

[bluestateguy]

14. It was fine to use after 9/11, for a little while

and on 4th of July and Memorial Day, but it becomes timeworn when it's done with every game.

[edhopper]

16. They should replace it

with "Centerfield" by John Fogerty.

[rug]

17. Imagine the whole stadium clapping the intro.

[edhopper]

18. And then all sing in unison

"Put me in coach..."

Better than "Sweet Caroline"

[Humanist_Activist]

19. The only thing I hear at Busch stadium is the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning...

and "Take me out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning.