Indiana College Bans National Anthem At Sporting Events
Just when you thought the America-hating in this nation couldn't go much further, a college campus decides to ban the national anthem at sporting events.
The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday:
The Star-Spangled Banner may yet wave over Goshen College in Indiana, but no one's going to be singing about it.
The Mennonite campus is dropping the national anthem in favor of "America the Beautiful" before all sporting events, saying the latter song better represents the college's religious values and pacifist tradition.
The rockets' red glare and those bombs bursting in air — lyrics honoring an obscure naval battle during the War of 1812 — seemingly proved too violent for a college whose motto is "Healing the World, Peace by Peace."
The school had never played "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games until last year, when it began using an instrumental version of the anthem. Administrators opted to end the practice in June, however, after some students and alumni expressed concerns about the militaristic imagery and the effect the song could have on foreign students, a school spokesman said.
In case you were wondering if this article was a spoof, NBC Sports reported this as well Thursday.
Assuming you're interesting in additional details, here's more from the Tribune:
A Rust Belt school with about 1,000 students, Goshen often appears on lists of the Midwest's top liberal arts colleges. Its mission, both academically and socially, reflects the school's ties to the Mennonite Church USA, a Protestant faith built upon pacifism and global citizenship.
One of the Midwest's "top liberal arts colleges."
Need I say more?
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Comments
Self-destruction
Submitted by jon_torlin on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 12:14pm.
NS,
There's got to be something in the water that lets these people, especially this Mennonite church, practice the art of self-destruction through "peace" by turning the other cheek and the other cheek and the other cheek etc etc.
That's all that this is. By being pacifistic, they set themselves up as targets for enslavement and destruction. I wonder how many chapters of the Bible that they leave out where there are references to God giving messages to people to build armies for various situations if they are so concerned about a "militaristic image."
-Jon
Those that beat their swords
Submitted by ThePickle on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 12:27pm.
Those that beat their swords into plowshares will soon find them tilling the fields for those that didn't.
I seem to recall just one turn.
Submitted by Newsbubba on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 12:36pm.
After Jesus said "turn the other cheek," He stopped. I assume He meant for us to give the aggressor one chance to see the light. After that, He had no instructions, so I assume that we can have at them.
Too true
Submitted by ant on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 12:08am.
It is a phrase often abused, I think. The Son of GOD.. I mean.. think about it...the Son of GOD!!.. advising his people to roll over and take it.. not exactly the advice you'd expected from the sovereign Ruler and omni-potent King of the world. It is what you point out, I think, tolerance to a point does not translate into becoming a victim or subject to man.
Turn The Other Cheek
Submitted by Braind on Mon, 08/29/2011 - 12:45pm.
Reportedly in the time that Jesus Christ walked this Earth, turning the other cheek was considered an insult in the same way "mooning" is considered an insult today. So, if true, Jesus was NOT saying take the slap in your face, but rather insult the person doing the slapping (albeit in a non-violent way).
Even if not true, I don't think Jesus would have a problem with someone insulting a person who slapped them rather than just taking it weakly.
You're hired!
Submitted by DontFeedTheTrolls on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 12:26pm.
Perhaps the students can get jobs as human shields in Libya.
Then cut Federal funding if they receive any.
Submitted by Red Jeep on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 12:50pm.
.
how 'bout this instead...?
Submitted by Rackie on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 1:04pm.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&sqi=2&ved=0CCkQtwIwAw&url...
Pacifist
Submitted by DWS101344 on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 1:05pm.
The thing pacifist never seem to realize is that the only reason they aren't extinct is that other people have fought and died to keep the "Wolves" away from them! Pacifism can only exist in a civilized society. Imagine what would have happened to Gandi, et al. if India had been a Nazi colony instead of a British one!
someday when
Submitted by ohio granny on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 1:05pm.
If this country ever becomes what the progressives want, who, pray tell, will defend them. Definitely not progressives because they do not believe in the private ownership of guns or in the military. No military or a very weak military will not be able to protect their sorry *sses.
The only ones who can and will defend themselves are the ones who have been smart enough to have guns and ammo. And a word to the libs/progressives we will NOT use them to defend you. You and yours are on your own because you will reap what you have sown.
cool your jets - Goshen is a very small player
Submitted by Rackie on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 1:30pm.
just look at their Notable Alumni - Are you impressed? Are you wowed? They are not a trend maker by any means. Seriously dudes, you're sounding like the crazy left.
Roger N. Beachy (1966) - Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Douglas Swartzendruber (1978) - Medical Director of the Goshen Center for Cancer Care and named to the TIME Magazine's 2010 list of the 100 most influential people in the world
David P. Bartel (1982) - professor of biology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Raj Biyani (1992) - general manager of the Product Group Strategic Initiatives team at Microsoft
Dana Graber Ladek (1997) - Iraq Displacement Specialist for the International Organization for Migration
James C. Strouse (1999) - screenwriter and director
I don't know much about the
Submitted by DWoSD on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 1:43pm.
I don't know much about the history of the Mennonites and right now I don't want to but I'll bet that they were a persecuted religion fron some europeon country and instead of making a stand and fighting for their rights and the rights of others they decided to make there way to the west because they could then worship as they chose in peace. Warm in the embrace of a country where others had to do their fighting for them.
Well just how the hell do they think that protection was provided?.....and how many persons died so that they may have that honor?...........died protecting the flag of the United States of America so they could be pacifist.
is it private college?
Submitted by dmacleo on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 2:00pm.
my understanding is this is a private religious college.
as much as I dislike it I have to support it.
that sucks.
however
Submitted by MidAmerica on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 2:05pm.
The Mennonites are just a few steps above the Amish. The Amish aren't too aggressive either.
I can tolerate this ban if it is truly from a pacific viewpoint. However if this was the political decision of a big name Liberal college that merely institutes a ban based on their dislike of US politics then I would have a problem.
cracks
Submitted by mandrake on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 2:17pm.
"There are cracks in everything..that's how the light gets through"
-Leonard Cohen
Musically speaking, with
Submitted by killa37 on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 2:15pm.
Musically speaking, with regards to the tune, the tone, the rhythm, and the overall sound...........as well as lyrically......I like 'America the Beautiful' a whole lot more than the 'Stars Spangled Banner'.
yes but....
Submitted by MidAmerica on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 2:34pm.
At a sporting event the challenge of singing the Star Spangled banner sets right tone for a physical contest. When there is a guest soloist we all wait to see how they handle the truly difficult spots in the tune and if they do it well then that's what all the cheering is about at the conclusion of the song. It's a challenge. So 'America the Beautiful' is OK for something like a flower arranging contest but if it's big time football with crazy fans give me a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner!
Well, I"ve heard some pretty
Submitted by killa37 on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 3:09pm.
Well, I"ve heard some pretty good renditions of the National Anthem........I remember Marvin Gaye once really nailed it.....I like Huey Lewis and the News doing it doo-wop style..........of course Jimi really took it to another level. But I think it's been abused and wrecked quite often too............I'm just really overdosed on these singers who feel that they have to 'over-sing' EVERY damn letter and syllable and word throughout the whole song, and hit as many notes as is humanly possible to hit in such a time frame. There's a big difference between having a set of pipes, and knowing how to use them............but that's just my own opinion. I'm the kind of guy who would rather hear a handful of notes that are perfectly delivered, than a flood of notes that are thrown out there for some kind of show-boating.............and that goes for vocals, guitar, harmonica, sax, piano............anything.
I agree
Submitted by MidAmerica on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 5:27pm.
If a singer is going to make artistic changes they had better be good ones. I also don't like the high falsetto screech versions.
I do have a soft spot for little kids who can really do a great version.
like this one
and if you are a grandparent this one
In my mind, no one will ever
Submitted by stratman on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 7:29pm.
In my mind, no one will ever top the Cactus Cuties for power and purity. Others may be perfect as well in their own right.
The little girl singing in the second video was about as cute as could be. Thanks.
Have you heard Dave's Highway yet? Don't recall where I heard about them recently, but their version of the National Anthem is good. Other songs they have done can be quite exceptional renditions. It is fun to see and hear how they mature over the years in their videos. Talented kids with a real shot at making it big.
The best rendition of our National Anthem was that performed
Submitted by no tingly legs on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 10:39am.
by Whitney Houston before Super Bowl XXV (Giants vs Bills). The fact that the Gmen won that game was icing on the cake.
In regards to the naive folks at that unknown Indiana college, they should be mindful of that old saying:
"If you can read, thank a teacher. If you can read English, thank a soldier."
No tingly
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 10:45am.
I have to agree with you, but that performance was done Milli-Vanilli style. It was later admitted Ms. Houston lip-synced the performance.
Who will defend them against Islam
Submitted by vote24 on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 3:02pm.
America defends the right to say and believe as you wish. When a plurality of Americans believe that they shall not fight to defend themselves under any circumstances, then America will simply cease to exist. Then all will be slaughtered by those daring enough to do so, without resistance. The short sightedeness of this attitude is unbelievable. For our own good it may be time to excommunicate and rid ourselves of the burden of those who will use the power of their vote, to lead to the extermination of those of us who have an understanding of all of humanity. Not just our circle of friends and "teachers".
This is NOT America Hating
Submitted by starbuckk on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 3:01pm.
This might be many things but its not "America hating". America the Beautiful also honors our country. It is considered proper to stand for this song just as it is the Star Spangled Banner. Many have actually proposed that America the Beautiful either replace the Star Spangled Banner or be recognized as a second anthem. Not because of the content so much as the key of the song is actually easier to perform both instrumentally and vocally.
NB usually gets it right but you're off base on this one.
hey starbukk
Submitted by vote24 on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 3:05pm.
You have a national anthem. It rightfully represents the manner in which this nation was established and will continue to be defended. Accept it. Honor it. Or drive to change it legally if you must. But you are off base.
We're upset now because people want to put God *in* school?
Submitted by dave_worrell on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 3:20pm.
When a college wants to play "America the Beautiful" before sporting events, it's hard to argue that said college is engaging in America hating. DUCY?
They should
Submitted by Bob K on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 4:21pm.
just nickname all of their sports teams "The Non-Fighting P***ies".
They are able to be pacifists
Submitted by texasborngranny on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 4:56pm.
They are able to be pacifists only because of those who protect their right to do so... that said, my favorite version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvwBLRsjwqo
I might be prejudiced since I know all 23 trumpeters (and am related to one). Hope you enjoy their 1st public performance as a group.
What do most of you not understand????
Submitted by paulnashtn on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 5:02pm.
This is a pacifist religious school and object to a song that MANY people do not like for various reasons. They play America the Beautiful, which is a great song and a tribute to America. If they were against America they would play nothing or maybe a church song but again they are pacifists and have every right to object to the nature of a song written about war.
Get a grip.
Thank you!
Submitted by starbuckk on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 6:41pm.
Well put!
Do they want "Kumbayah" instead?
Submitted by drsamherman on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 6:49pm.
Maybe the school's governance overdosed on the antidepressants.
Well, if HR 645 should ever become law...
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 7:01pm.
...(and my cynicism has reached the point where I believe it will), at least we know who the first residents of the National "Emergency" Centers is going to be.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
This Isn't Hatred for America!
Submitted by PeteS in CA on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 9:51am.
Mennonites' not singing/playing the "Star Spangled Banner" at sports events is due to their centuries' belief in pacifism, not hatred for America. I do not share Mennonites' pacifism - I do not believe it to be Scriptural, nor do I think it realistic. I'm disappointed at Noel Sheppard mis-characterizing Goshen College! A minute or two of search engine use would have shown that this move is consistent with Mennonites' centuries-long belief in pacifism.
You mean like football?
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 5:18pm.
You mean like football?
It was designated as the National Anthem only 80 years ago.
Submitted by Ray Mark on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 9:14pm.
I much prefer “America the Beautiful” to “The Star Spangled Banner.” The latter describes one event in our history – albeit a very important event. But the former provides a broader view of America and its promises and the third stanza refers to the same event as the latter does. The former talks more about patriotism.
“The star Spangled Banner” was codified as the national anthem only as recently as March of 1931. Before then other songs honored America at official functions, among the “Hail Columbia”, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”, “America the Beautiful”, “God Bless America” (remember Kate Smith) and others. I also like the chorus to “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood in 1984.
I wrote this before I found the following. It should have been included in the story. Goshen likes “America the Beautiful” too.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110824/news/708249844
Compare the lyrics of these songs to see what you prefer.
America the Beautiful
http://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/americathebeautiful.html
The Star Spangled Banner
http://www.usa-flag-site.org/song-lyrics/star-spangled-banner.shtml
Hail Columbia
http://bussongs.com/songs/hail_columbia.php
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee”
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/c/mctisoft.htm
God Bless the USA
http://www.energyexpressband.com/lyrics/wedding%20lyrics%20god%20bless%2...
I think one of Sgt Grit's bumper stickers applies here.
Submitted by UpNorth on Sun, 08/28/2011 - 9:29pm.
"In the face of terror and murder, the call for peace is not patriotic, it's cowardice". Or, maybe, "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers to fight", psalm 144.1.
They're a private
Submitted by wiwf on Mon, 08/29/2011 - 10:14am.
They're a private institution, they can do whatever they want. Albeit I disagree with their decision.