I did not contradict myself, you aren't reading my posts or I am not being clear.   Yes, there is a tradition of the 7th inning stretch - but as I said, the atmosphere is created by the owners. They made the 7th inning stretch into the ritual it has become. The same as a movie theater selling popcorn. What does it have to do with the film? Nothing. If the theater owner decides not to sell popcorn, it is their choice. It may be a bad business move however, but it is their choice.

In the traditions of the owners of the game, who run the show, they can do what they want. It may not "sell", but it is their choice.

My point is that the audience is not being forced to be patriotic. The problem I have is one of disrespect. I stand at attention for the Canadian national anthem at sporting events as well as anthems for other countries. Booing the anthem is a sign of disrepect to the people of that country, not the politicians that are running the show.