God Bless America at Jays Game

Subject: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 07:31 AM

As a dedicated baseball fan I watched the game last night between Toronto and New York. Much to my astonishment God Bless America was played at the seventh inning. People were told to rise, remove thier hats and sing..........IN CANADA. Apparently this was done on the orders of MLB.Many Canadians were offended by this. a perfect example of American arrogance and refusal to recognize other nations as having different views.
    How dare baseball tell Canadians to submit to this intrusion. So much for good neighbours.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 07:36 AM

Hey, it's OUR league and WE make the rules and if you don't like it, we'll take our bats and balls and go home!!!

On the other hand, the Cincy Reds opened their season and their new stadium, "The Great American Ballpark," with a pitch thrown out by Daddy Bush and Lee Greenwood singing that he's "Proud to be an American." All of this resulted in the Pirates tromping the Reds 10-1. So hush yer fussin'!

Spaw

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:00 AM

Yoyr Game was played in Canada. How about a bit of respect for other countries. There are Canadian companies in America, they don't insist on Canadian Patriotic songs, I felt it was just plain insensitive, arrogant and insulting.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,Paul S
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:05 AM

Another Canadian here. Sorry if this has been said over and over on other threads; this is the first one I've read after being away for months.

I am embarrassed for the behaviour of my government. Historically, Canada has always been right there to support the US and Britain, but this doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Canada was ridiculously slow to respond politically to 9/11. Britain immediately swore their support, and had a national day of mourning on September 12. It took Canada four or five days to have a memorial service on Parliament Hill, and our prime minister's response was lukewarm at best.

While the idea of a war horrifies me, there are some dictators who just don't respond to "please". If we are going to reap the benefits of living next to the largest superpower, we should be willing to pay with a little support.

... or our prime minister could AT LEAST stop telling the American public that they are involved in an illegal war.

To reiterate: So much for good neighbours.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,James
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:15 AM

Americans are good neighbours. That does not mean that we must follow blindly wherever they go. I am proud of our Government for doing what it thinks is best. It is not easy being next door to the US and I think it takes great courage to go your own way, in spite of the neighbours.
I also watched the ballgame and was amazed that this American Patriotism could be forced on people in Canada, especially since our democratically elected government opposes this war. An unfortunate example of arrogance.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,Jays Fan
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:24 AM

Catspaw; your opening sentence says it all.Scary.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Peter T.
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:50 AM

It is to puke. yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Greg F.
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:51 AM

Really pitiful. God Help America......

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 08:54 AM

I expect that America will be playing Rule Britannia at the next Game ? What unmitigated arrogance, and I am not Canadian.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:00 AM

Catspaw...do PLEASE take your toys and go home. If you did that all over the world perhaps we'd all have a rest from your bullying. Enough alrady.Here's your hat, what's your hurry.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:03 AM

Canada has supported the war on Terror..we have ships in the Persian Gulf, we sent troops to Afghanistan. Four of them were killed.....by Americans. Then you treat us like a colony. How dare you shove your phony patriotism down the throats of your "neighbours".

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:18 AM

And Americans wonder why they are seen as arrogant and misguided.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:20 AM

Who is Lincoln Al;exander and how dare he tell us to shut up and do as we are told. An unfortunate display if ever there was one. I too am growing weary of yankee arrogance. Take your game and go home, if that is how you feel children.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,Jays Fan
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:22 AM

Now I suppose it will be Freedom Dry Gingerale, Freedom Club Rye,Freedom Bacon. USA ..out of North America...ha ha.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:54 AM

From what I understand, Canada (my home and native land) has about one trillionth the armed forces of the Excited States. As such, we can hardly even patrol the arctic, never mind assist an international invasion, legal or otherwise. In short, any assistance would be less than symbolic. Our expertise is more along the lines of peace-keeping and postconflict assistance.

I entirely disagree with this war and am proud that Canada has kept its distance, even if PM Cretin does a lousy job of expressing it. The assumption that the US is always backing Canada is false, and in fact there're continued disputes in trade, immigration, and elsewhere. It is insulting to me that the "if you're not for us, you're against us" reasoning seems to be so prevalent, and it smacks of arrogance and paranoia.

For MLB to dictate to Canada based teams regarding patriotic songs is petty arrogant paranoia, disrespectful of the host nation, qualities it seems to share with its government.

Peace (seriously), Mooh.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 09:59 AM

I too watched the game last night and found the assumption that Canadians should honour America in this way staggeringly insulting. I have been attempting to E mail MLB and The Toronto Blue Jays to express my anger but BOTH web sites are unavilable..is there a reason for this. I am bored to death with this BS of America the great..Petty bunch of spoilt brats.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: gnu
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:08 AM

Wh cares about baseball ? Canada won both golds at the World Junior Curling Championship on the weekend. And congrats to the US ladies on their silver.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:11 AM

Gnu, you have missed the point of the thread. Baseball is not the issue...Respect is the issue.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,Paul S
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:16 AM

While we're all American-bashing, let's just think about a couple of things:

(1) References to "yankee arrogance" piss me off because once again, someone is using a generality to judge an entire nation (yep, that's called stereotyping). I've known a few Americans, and didn't find any of them arrogant. Even if they were the only ones, I'd be pissed on their behalf.

(2) Let's remember that there are people in Iraq who wish their only problem was a song at a sporting event. But they've been too busy being oppressed, killed, raped, tortured, used as a bullet shield, etc. by their own government.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:18 AM

Gee, Spaw, someone took you seriously!! Better get the Reg boyz in here to fix things up!

FWIW, I think it is outrageous that the anthem was used in such a way and in a foreign country. I, as an American, am totally opposed to the war and am glad that Canada and other countries keep telling our government that they are wrong.

One thing I think it is good to note...imo, baseball and other sports do often attract the more patriotic-touting types, so...I guess they may be in people's faces more then some of the rest of us.

*ducking and covering my head for that last bit*

kat

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:22 AM

If the issue ain't baseball, then go out and start your own league like you did with that Mickey Mouse CFL thing! I think the Canadian parks ought to have to serve only American foods and especially American hot dogs and Budweiser or Miller beer. Hell, I doubt you even HAVE Cracker Jacks!!! You wanna' play baseball with us, play it our way!!

Spaw

(BTW, you're a piss poor troll that obviously spends very little time here. Otherwise you would have both ignored my first post because my views are well enough known by most that they knew I was joking. Second, these multiple Guest/Predominantly Guest postings generally means that all the Guests are the same one, especially when you make no effort to change the style and wording of your multiple identities. Maybe it's just an April Fool you're doing because if you're serious about wanting to be a troll, you really have a long way to go.)

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:23 AM

No One is American Bashing, nor is anyone stereotyping. I hate that word because people always use it to "stereotype" those with whom they disagree as "anti-American" or America bashing. The specious arguement that a song at sporting eventis nothing compared to what is going on in Iraq is tiresome, to say the least. The point is That America does behave in an arrogant manner much of the time..It does not mean that individual Americans are arrogant...that was neither said nor implied, which is, I think, obvious.
   To insist on American Patriotism in a forgien country is rude and yes, arrogant. To call us anti-american for resenting it is just another dose of the same crap.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,James TrelawneyCanada
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:29 AM

I guees if more than one person critizes you Spaw you think they are all the same person..can't imagine two people who would disagree..I come here quite often actually, but do not post often..your views are obvious in many threads.
   I cannot speak for the other guests, but i do find you a tad sensitive.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: gnu
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:32 AM

I didn't miss the point. I just had nothing constructive to add to the thread so I thought I'd take the opportunity to praise our young ladies and men for the great curling. Anyone who missed these games missed some excellent curling, even if it was at a junior level.

Spaw... they do sell Bud, but it's brewed in Canada so it actually tastes like beer.

BTW, God bless America and GO 7TH.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:33 AM

Well, as as Canadian this insulted me at first. However, Oh Canada is played before all NHL games and the majority of them are in the States. I would rise for it as I would out of respect for any National Song, but, I wouldn't sing it. I do agree it's a pretty sad move by MLB. The Star Bangled Banner had already been sung before the start of the game.      

'Spaw, you'd have a riot on your hands if you tried to force us to drink that swill that you guys call beer. And good luck beating a Shopsy's or Schneiders all beef hot dog.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:39 AM

That's complete bullshit Steve!!! Good American dogs are all a pasty gray color and have been steaming in the bun for 3 days! Plus we allow up to 2% floor sweepings and rat excrement in ours! You need it for them to be tasty!

Spaw

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,James
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:39 AM

I agree that the US national anthem should be played in Canada when American teams are playing, and it should be treated with respect. It was the dictating of Playing God Bless America that riled me. I am sure that Americans would feel the same way if this were dictated to them. It is just a matter of courtesy and respect toward a host country.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: gnu
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:40 AM

Sounds like they'd go well with some TTB.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:48 AM

".... that swill that you guys call beer"

tsk, Steve...you haven't been offered the GOOD stuff! There are many, many breweries now that make world class beer. Don't let the idiots who still drink Bud lite influence your opinion.

Ever since the New Albion brewery in about 1977, US beer has gotten better & better.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: gnu
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:51 AM

I AM AN IDIOT !

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: gnu
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 10:56 AM

Oops, since I drink Canehdian Bud, that should read, I AM A CANADIAN IDIOT. Take that any way you want.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Metchosin
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 11:17 AM

April Fools!!!!!

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: gnu
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 11:33 AM

SHHHH !!!

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: JenEllen
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 11:51 AM

It was a ridiculous and stupid stunt, but hardly as stupid as all the uproar OVER it. For shit's sake, it's the seventh inning stretch---go for a walk, get a beer and a dog, or just plug your ears and hum 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame', but most of all remember that IT'S A GAME!!!
~J

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 12:29 PM

When does it stop being "a game" ?When does it start to be...no Canadian Anthem. If this kind of control it to be held by Canadian Corps. operating in Canada..where does it stop. I think we do deserve some respect in our own house.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 12:30 PM

Bill D.

I'm sure that there are some good ones, I just haven't had them. I visit the U.S. a lot and it seems that every one is drinking Bud or Coors Lite. I always bring a couple of cases of Canadian Beer with me, it goes pretty quickly.

'Spaw, oh, THOSE hot dogs. Yeah, you can get them in any hockey arena in Canada. Accompany one with a cup of vending machine chicken soup and you've got the worst meal you've ever had.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 12:35 PM

gnu, I get good curling here every time I go to the beauty shop where their sign on a hearse parked out front says "We curl up and dye for you!"

Ya'll know them hot dogs are so full of pree-zurv-ah-tees that they are intact 12 years later when dug up at a landfill, right? Nasty, nasty stuff!!

Spaw, nailed 'em, agin...darlin'

kat

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 12:49 PM

Insisting on God Bless America being sung in the seventh inning at a Canadian ball park was wrong. It was a baseball game, not a political rally and I thought it was awfully cheap. I'm ashamed that the Jays complied. This has nothing to do with my opinions on George Bush or Iraq. It was completely inappropriate to insist we symbolically support the U.S. government's decisions on Iraq just because we have a major league baseball team.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,Susanl
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 12:53 PM

That last post was from me. I didn't mean to post as an anonymous guest.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,James
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 01:09 PM

Susan, you better that much better than I have..but it is what I, and others, have been trying to say. Thanks

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 01:20 PM

Truthfully, I have always wondered what the point of the/any National Anthem was at a sports event, maybe with the exception of the Olympics. What's the point? Outside of the old joke about the last two words of the Star Spangled Banner being "Play Ball," I can't see it. Have we researched this before? Where did this start?

Every damn sports event in the US begins with the SSB. I can understand some local tune thing like "Back Home Again in Indiana" at the Indy 500 or "My Old Kentucky Home" at the Kentucky Derby, but what's with the SSB? Every high school football game and every pro ball game begin with it. You go to some third mile dirt track in the sticks and they play the damn thing. Why do I need to verify my patriotism to watch 40 shitkickers in half-assed jalopies while choking on dust on a 95 degree afternoon? Do I need to be a patriot to see a ten year old drop a fly in short right?

What IS the point?

Spaw

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: JenEllen
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 01:33 PM

Susan, you are correct, as always. What I personally find offensive is that, once again, Americans are being stereotypically labeled as responsible for an action. Our government is supposedly of and for the people, and you see how little control we have over that, so what makes anyone think we can dictate, or are responsible for, the actions of a private corporation? The only way to get them is in the pocketbook, and the supposed offense to Canada didn't stop thousands of folks from buying tickets and filling the stands.
~JE

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,James
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 01:38 PM

I don't mind the playing of anthems. However, perhaps we should restrict ourselves to anthems of the host country. It would certainly avoid a lot of controversy and misunderstanding.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:27 PM

I went to the game not knowing that God Bless America would be played. It never occured to me that I would be coerced into tacit support for thos American political propaganda. I was even more offended by Lincoln Alexander, who I thought had better sense. If Americans wish to be seen as respecting the rights of others, they need to stop making excuses for their own ignorance of other cultures.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:31 PM

Does anyone have any proof that this happened?
There's no mention on the cbc website and it is April first.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:46 PM

I was there, I happened.

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:47 PM

Who are YOU???

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Amos
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:47 PM

Jeeze Louise, guys...take a chill pill and find your centers. Spaw's right about the hot dogs, though...

A

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: Metchosin
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:48 PM

why, after Canadian fans booed the American National Anthem at an earlier sporting event, would anyone assume that sooner or later Canadians wouldn't get their noses rubbed in it? Take the punch....Ach! its only a game....

Subject: RE: God Bless America at Jays Game
From: GUEST,James
Date: 01 Apr 03 - 02:50 PM