Patriotism in Denver: Black national anthem

By Michelle Malkin  •  July 1, 2008 09:27 PM

Out: The Star-Spangled Banner.

In: The Black National Anthem.

Racial separatism at an official government gathering.

Hey, it’s “art!”

See what others have said

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Comments


  1. #365347
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:31 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Sing the National Anthem or nothing at all. Whatever happened to America first?

  2. #365353
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:36 pm, elpresidente said:

    I’ll have video up shortly. Watch for the tepid applause and reaction from the crowd as they wonder what just happened.

  3. #365355
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:38 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    At least she didn’t sing G–D— America. But for the first time, Michelle Obama is proud to be going to Denver.

  4. #365356
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:40 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    Anything goes in the name of art, kinda like Islam anything goes in the name of God. What a disgrace, we are Americans our anthem is the National Anthem there is no room for anything else.

    I will say one thing, If you ever end up going to a KC Chiefs game at the end of the National Anthem where it say’s “Home of the brave” the crowd, which is incredibly loud in the stadium we say “Home of the CHIEFS!” it actually sounds awsome, absolutley meaning no disrespect to our country or the brave.

  5. #365357
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:41 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Wesley Clark was quick to point out that John McCain has no singing experience, and isn’t fit to judge which songs should be sung at government meetings.

  6. #365361
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:44 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    It really does not suprise me for a city hosting the DNCC

  7. #365364
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:47 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    When she heard of the song, Democrat Rep. Laura Richardson was quoted as saying “I’ll buy that – just don’t make me pay for it.”

  8. #365365
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:53 pm, TypicalWhite said:

    Here are some of the lines in the song she sang:

    “Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
    Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
    Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
    Let us march on till victory is won.”

    Dark past? Hope? (BO, perhaps?) Victory marches? Here’s more:

    “We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
    Out from the gloomy past,
    Till now we stand at last
    Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.”

    How uplifting! How inspiring! The song ends with:

    “May we forever stand,
    True to our God,
    True to our native land.”

    Not bad, but nowhere in the song does it say that America is our native land, so I guess each singer gets to choose – Kenya, perhaps? Or are we all just citizens of the world? Not for this American girl, thank you very much.

  9. #365366
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:54 pm, CJ said:

    But to be truly inclusive, they need to use a Spanish language version. You know, like people have done for this song:
    http://michellemalkin.com/2006/04/22/the-illegal-alien-anthem/

    Maybe if it was a Spanish language version of the black national anthem but written for a 5-tone Chinese scale and played on bagpipes no one would be offended. Or better yet, everyone would be offended.

  10. #365367
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:55 pm, englishqueen01 said:

    Well, now we know what Obama’s campaign song will be… :roll:

  11. #365368
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:55 pm, Rob said:

    Okay.. since there are no conservatives anymore (except on this page)… will people start to think the KKK and other nutty groups are the only sane people left??? I hope not… arghhhhhhh… we are doomed, doomed, doomed

  12. #365369
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:56 pm, DesertLover said:

    I am thoroughly offended that this woman thinks she can take it upon herself to not perform “The National Anthem” when that is what she was given the honor of doing for this official government function.

    I can ssure you that I didn’t shed my blood in the Jungles of Viet Nam for her to substitute “The Black National Anthem” or any other “Anthem” …

    I shed it for “Old Glory” and all that she symbolizes in the singing of “The National Anthem” …

    This is an outrage and a disgrace and the City Council and Mayor of Denver should be held accountable for their inaction during and after this happened …

  13. #365371
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:58 pm, shooter said:

    Gettin ready for B. Hussein already.

    Kinda like barry obama’s faith based initiative will most assuredly be black liberation theology centered.

  14. #365372
    On July 1st, 2008 at 9:59 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    Is this the first time this “BABE” is proud of her country….

    I never used to see the color of a person’s skin…except to reproduce the coloring on canvas …NOW ………..!!!!!

  15. #365374
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:01 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    DesertLover said:
    The National Anthem” when that is what she was given the honor

    That is exactly right it is an honor and a privlege to be asked to sing The National Anthem at a public event and this women dishonored her self and The National Anthem.

  16. #365379
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:09 pm, Miss Ladybug said:

    TypicalWhite~

    I followed the link, and learned that the song was written as a poem in 1899. That would explain the imagery of a dark past and present hope, and talk of slaughter – it didn’t mention the age of the poet, but if he hadn’t been born a slave, his parents likely had been, so that stain on the national character was still in living memory. Taken in that context, I find no fault with the words. What I have a problem with is this woman taking it upon herself to substitute the National Anthem with it.

    As far as the National Anthem and baseball… I go to lots of minor league games (but not near as many this season, what with the high price of gas). They always have a live performance of the National Anthem (there are pre-season auditions, from what I understand). At this past Saturday’s game, a gentleman (African-American, actually) did a beautiful rendition on a solo saxophone… The only time there isn’t a “performance” has been Memorial Day or Independence Day games when they ask all the fans to sing it, which is really cool, too.

  17. #365380
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:10 pm, Defector01 said:

    Will they just give it a rest and sing the ‘Internationale’ at the start of the conference???

  18. #365385
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:17 pm, elpresidente said:
  19. #365391
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:28 pm, thefoundingfathers said:

    This had to be a set up. I wonder if the gentleman who introduced her was in on it.

    My feeling is if you don’t like it here, nobody is forcing you to stay. Everybody comes because of who and what this country is, but then they want to “change” it to be like where they came from.

  20. #365393
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:29 pm, Goldwater Knight said:

    You mean no one had the b*lls to step in and cut the mike? WTF? I just don’t get it. Who the hell is left out there with the sand to do what’s necessary and right?

  21. #365394
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:32 pm, Freddy said:

    I wonder how long it will be before any discussion of this is dissed as ‘race baiting’ by those terrible racists that hate Comrade Obama.

  22. #365398
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:36 pm, zorro said:

    Miss Rene Marie, you are one disappointing citizen. Selfish, self centered, ungrateful. You may call it art, I call it a slap in the face of good old Uncle Sam. Shame on you.

  23. #365399
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:38 pm, Goldwater Knight said:

    I just want to take this opportunity to remind the people of Denver what it’s like to have a set of b*lls. Please click here for your history lesson.

  24. #365402
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:46 pm, meatpieandtatters said:

    Remember, Denver is situated at over 5,000 feet elevation so the amount of oxygen is less. For all the liberal flat-landers congregating here, they’ll have even less brain capacity than normal. So the idea of Black, yellow or burgundy colored songs is quite predictable. No problems here in Boulder!

  25. #365404
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:52 pm, GJCorby said:

    “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
    -Abraham Lincoln

  26. #365407
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:56 pm, Lifeofthemind said:

    When I was a little kid in public school we usually sang “America” instead of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

  27. #365408
    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:59 pm, old trooper said:

    There is only one National Anthem.

    Period!

  28. #365411
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:06 pm, DarkKnight said:

    I think that this was an instance where a person was trying to be creative and I do not believe this attempt was successful.

    Marvin Gaye put his personal twist on the National Anthem when he performed in 1983, and it remaines one of the most revered reditions of the song in this generation.

    With that said, I believe that in this particular instance, when you are asked to sing the Star Spangled Banner, sing the song with it’s original lyrics.

  29. #365412
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:07 pm, Southeast Jones said:

    I’m surprised she didn’t sing “Highway to Hell”. It seems to become more appropriate every day.

  30. #365416
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:15 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    # 28 DK thank you for the Marvin Gaye SSB–HE SANG IT WITH THE WORDS AS WRITTEN BY FRANCIS SCOTT KEY!!!!!

  31. #365419
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:18 pm, mattymatt10 said:

    Next time I go to a Nats game, I will replace the words of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with the lyrics to Gun’s N Roses “One in a Million,” to express how I feel as a straight, white conservative male in this country.

    Because I, too, am an artist.

    sarc/ off

  32. #365422
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:22 pm, Romeo13 said:

    Welcome to the Republic of Boulder, which has now expanded its borders to downtown Denver…

    We also call it Eastern California here.

    PS: I’ll be burnin steaks and fryin food if anyone gets stuck in Denver covering the convention and wants some real food… I live in Highlands Ranch, or southern Denver, and can easily pick you up from the lightrail if you want to come down for some real food… just give me a holler.

  33. #365423
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:22 pm, Goldwater Knight said:

    DarkKnight said:

    I think that this was an instance where a person was trying to be creative and I do not believe this attempt was successful.

    You mean like this?

  34. #365428
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:27 pm, DarkKnight said:

    EDIT to #28: “With that said, I believe that AS EVIDENCED in this particular instance, when you are asked to sing the Star Spangled Banner, sing the song with it’s original lyrics.”

    On July 1st, 2008 at 10:59 pm, old trooper said:
    There is only one National Anthem.

    Period!

    The National Anthem is a beautiful song. It’s melody and lyrics are fantastic. There is truly only one “Star Spangled Banner.”

    The Black National Anthem is also a beautiful song. It’s lyrics about remembering the past and expressing hope for the future is a message embraced by millions of people in our country. I believe that we all should be able to celebrate our cultural history in this country.

    With that said, I strongly disagree with this instance of replacing the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner.

    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:15 pm, Christian Soldier said:
    # 28 DK thank you for the Marvin Gaye SSB–HE SANG IT WITH THE WORDS AS WRITTEN BY FRANCIS SCOTT KEY!!!!!

    No argument here that when Marvin Gaye sang the Star Spangled Banner lyrics, when coupled with his unique performance, was truly “artistic” and absolutely memorable.

  35. #365430
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:28 pm, swmbo said:

    I wish everyone there had refused to sit down until she sang the REAL National Anthem. My rememberance of the Star Spangled Banner is that it is red, white and blue, no other colors!

    Just when I think disrespect for America and Americans can’t get any worse, IT DOES.

  36. #365432
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm, DarkKnight said:

    Goldwater…

    Wow. With that link, I was hoping not to see that so late at night. :-(

  37. #365439
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm, Lincoln said:

    Is anyone here starting to suffer from outrage fatigue?

    My arms are hurting from all the ranting I’ve been doing today.

  38. #365440
    On July 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm, theProject said:

    Couldn’t people just have sat down when they realized it wasn’t The Star-Spangled Banner?

  39. #365443
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 12:07 am, purplepeep said:

    The woman was introduced to sing the national anthem, that’s what she should have done. Had she been asked to entertain within a program – not to open it – her song may have been okay.

    But then again, what with so many gawd-awful self-styled “divas” butchering our anthem with stunning regularity, I suppose the upside here is our great national anthem may have been spared that same sad abuse.

  40. #365444
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am, trailortrash said:

    i cannot believe this, totally disrespectful. she should apologize quickly.
    she could have sang her song before or after doing what she was supposed to do and no one would have cared…

  41. #365449
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 am, radio relay said:

    What I have a problem with is this woman taking it upon herself to substitute the National Anthem with it.

    I doubt seriously that she did this all by herself. I’m sure Hickenlooper knew exactly what was coming… Some more his “new patriotism”…

    It does not make any difference what so ever if a song sung in place of the National Anthem is beautiful or not. It’s the National Anthem! The Star Spangled Banner. Not the “I hate my country, and whitey is going to pay” waltz!

  42. #365458
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 12:40 am, simcoe said:

    This senator from Illinois is the most unbelievably divisive character to come along in recent memory. And this Pied Piper and his followers, which includes the MSM, revel in the chaos. It defies understanding and good sense.

    Where are our national leaders?
    Where are those who have sworn to uphold our constitution?
    Where is one who will stand up and rally true American patriots?

  43. #365461
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am, Send_Me said:

    Not yet. That sums it up for me, but I’ll go ahead and elaborate.
    No other flag shall be flown. No other song will be sung. This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Until I’m dead, it shall remain the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and I’ll be damned if someone thinks they will successfully conquer MY NATIVE LAND. If you don’t like this land, and you love your native land so much, then GO HOME! No one is stopping you. I’m sure many of us will help pay for your airfare or seat on the boat. But don’t think for one second that I and many others will sit idly while you attempt to take over my country.

  44. #365463
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 1:03 am, starlightwoman said:

    I had not seen Marvin Gaye’s version before but it was nice. It also used the original lyrics.

    What Rene Marie did was rediculous. When you are asked to sing the National Anthem you sing the Star Spangeled Banner. You don’t substitute. Hopefully, she’ll never be asked to do this again, of course with the DNC she’ll probably be singing at the convention.

  45. #365468
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 am, Bluejester said:

    Any way that you look at it she was utterly wrong in what she did. The collassal foolishness that she displayed by singing the black national anthem truly shows the depths of how ignorant and unappreciative that this woman was. Perhaps she will justify herself by claiming that she intended to raise awareness or that it was her freedom of speech to choose not to sign the national anthem. However, it is quite amazing that whatever quest she sought to fufill by her actions, she failed to appreciate the original possibilities that were before her.

    She could have just simply sung the national anthem and that would have been powerful imagery enough in itself. An African-American/Black woman given the privillage of singing a song that has such rich meaning and inspiring heart should have spoken for itself. Instead, Mrs/Ms. Marie chose to act both selfishly and without proper forsight. Instead of using the opportunity that she might have had by singing the national anthem and how it reflects how far America has come in providing equal rights, she made a politcally motivated choice. Thus not only does she not reap the benifits that might have been hers, but she has helped to engender a spirit of ill will where not only would it not have been present, but perhaps it would have provided her with an audience that would appreciate the talent that God gave her.

    She forsook the better path.

  46. #365491
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 am, Papa Louie said:

    McCain can only hope that the Democrats pull the same stunt at their convention in Denver. If they do, Obama can kiss middle America goodbye.

  47. #365499
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 3:00 am, GaMidnightRider said:

    This is what happens when you promote the hyphen in American example: Asian-American, Irish-American, Indian-American, African-American. We are AMERICANS. There ain’t no hyphen in it. If you want a hyphen, hyphen your ass back to whatever since you are placing it before my country.

  48. #365513
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 5:39 am, graysonret said:

    This reminds me of when Rosanna Barr tried to sing the Anthem once, at a ballgame. It caused such a row, it literally destroyed her career. Times were different then. Tearing down the country is “patriotic” now or “art”. Anything to win votes to get the socialists into government, even if it means destroying the country and its heritage along the way.

  49. #365517
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 6:14 am, jamesgreenidge said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 am, Papa Louie said:
    McCain can only hope that the Democrats pull the same stunt at their convention in Denver. If they do, Obama can kiss middle America goodbye.

    You’d think that what’ll happen to our wallets under an administration of unlimited irreversible socialism would alone be enough! If it takes a damn song then we ARE lost!

    James Greenidge
    Queens NY

    A Thompson guy who just HAS to vote McCain because no one can say I didn’t stand in front of Obama’s $$ tank!

  50. #365523
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 6:37 am, DesertLover said:

    jamesgreenidge

    Unfortunately our “dumbed down” youth are the ones that will take us down …

    They have no concept of what “socialism” really is … so telling them that “socialism” is what an Obama election means to the country is a waste of breath …

    To them it means “social programs” … things like “food stamp programs” and “head start” are “socialism” in their undereducated minds …

  51. #365527
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:09 am, mchristian said:

    simcoe said:
    This senator from Illinois is the most unbelievably divisive character to come along in recent memory.

    Dick Durbin?

  52. #365530
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 am, sausage said:

    No other flag shall be flown.

    Somebody better tell these guys!

    You’d think that what’ll happen to our wallets under an administration of unlimited irreversible socialism would alone be enough!

    Scary Socialism (Conservatives go wooooooo!) is already here… the handouts by the Bush government are massive…

  53. #365531
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:27 am, pressto said:

    Remember, don’t question their patriotism. :-)

  54. #365539
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:56 am, Dandapani said:

    Not this chit again? I suppose we’ll see these kinds of incidences on the rise when Obama is elected. Next it will be Muslim call to prayer…

  55. #365540
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:56 am, DarkKnight said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am, Send_Me said:
    Not yet. That sums it up for me, but I’ll go ahead and elaborate.
    No other flag shall be flown. No other song will be sung. This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Until I’m dead, it shall remain the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and I’ll be damned if someone thinks they will successfully conquer MY NATIVE LAND. If you don’t like this land, and you love your native land so much, then GO HOME! No one is stopping you. I’m sure many of us will help pay for your airfare or seat on the boat. But don’t think for one second that I and many others will sit idly while you attempt to take over my country.

    *sigh*

    To sing this song, no one is trying to “take over [the] country. As I said, this song is about recognizing the past and moving forward into the future. Again, I disagree with replacing the lyrics to the SSB. They are two seperate songs.

    It is entirely possible that many people who may read about this incident have never even heard about the Black National Anthem.

    A small portion of the lyrics (from the third verse):

    God of our weary years,
    God of our silent tears,
    Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
    Thou who has by Thy might,
    Led us into the light,
    Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
    Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
    Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee,
    Shadowed beneath thy hand,
    May we forever stand,
    True to our God,
    True to our native land.

    Let’s look at the positives that can come about from this event. It is important we recognize and celebrate our cultural histories in this country. We should not shy away from that. At the same time, we all recognize must continue to move forward. If this event sparks a discussion on our ideas on how to do that, then that is never a bad thing.

    Have a great day everyone.

  56. #365542
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:59 am, tre said:

    If the mayor of Oklahoma City had “Dixie” sung at an official meeting there would be calls for his head on a stick.

    But, for some reason, they think crap like this is okay?

  57. #365545
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 am, DesertLover said:

    tre …

    you’ll love this true story …

    back in the ’80s an uncle of mine worked for a large company based in Dallas …

    his company gave him 2 tickets to the annual OU-Texas game … on the Texas side of course … my uncle told us later he thought he was going to have to fight his way out of the stands … but not because of the outcome of the game …

    during the pre-game festivities the band was playing on the field … my aunt stood up … put her hand over her heart … looked around … and said “don’t you folks stand for the national anthem?” …

    the OU band was playing “Boomer Sooner” down on the field … :lol:

  58. #365547
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 8:16 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Let’s look at the positives that can come about from this event. It is important we recognize and celebrate our cultural histories in this country. We should not shy away from that. At the same time, we all recognize must continue to move forward. If this event sparks a discussion on our ideas on how to do that, then that is never a bad thing.

    What the…? You are really giving her too much credit. The only discussion that is necessary is an apology on her part.

  59. #365551
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 am, conservativesRus said:

    It is important we recognize and celebrate our cultural histories in this country. We should not shy away from that.

    huh?
    Our country has some dark days in it’s cultural history (not the least of which is not deporting those here illegally). Let’s not celebrate that.
    There is a huge difference between knowing history and learning from it and celebrating it.
    Celebrate is a little too close for my liking to another word – tolerance. Tolerance now means not only “tolerate” (as in put up with) but also to enjoy and affirm. I can tolerate certain things in our country, but certainly not affirm them.

  60. #365565
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:06 am, Die Hippie, Die said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 am, sausage said:

    No other flag shall be flown.

    Somebody better tell these guys!

    Sure. I’ll do it.

    “Hey Senator Byrd (D-WV), take off your dress, put away your flag, take your medications and get back to work.”

    Happy, sausage?

  61. #365567
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:08 am, radio relay said:

    Perhaps she will justify herself by claiming that she intended to raise awareness or that it was her freedom of speech to choose not to sign the national anthem.

    No, on the local Denver news, she’s saying that the Star Spangled Banner means nothing to her, as a “black woman”!

    It is entirely possible that many people who may read about this incident have never even heard about the Black National Anthem.

    How could that possibly be!?!? Considering that B.O.’s “G. D. America” church sings it instead of the Star Spangled Banner, every Sunday. Any American, who cares enough to pay attention, has heard the song, and knows what it means!

    May we forever stand,
    True to our God,
    True to our native land.

    Don’t tell me that’s beautiful!!!

    The “God” they are talking about is the “G.D. America” God.

    The “land” they are talking about is not this land of the United States Of America! It’s “Africa” they are talking about!!!

    That song is not beautiful! That woman is not a patriot! I’m totally disgusted with B.O. and democrats!!!

  62. #365568
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:08 am, tre said:

    #57 Desert Lover

    I went to OSU. I would turn my back when BUMMER Sooner was played.

    Psalms 23 says “He leadeth me beside Stillwater.” That proves God favors Oklahoma State University.

    (For those of you who don’t know Oklahoma geography, Oklahoma State University is in Stillwater, OK.)

    /sarc off

  63. #365572
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:12 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Black National Anthem

    ?!?!?!?

  64. #365573
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:13 am, Just A Grunt said:

    They took the playing of “Dixie” away from us in the south and yet I am now supposed to be “understanding” of them going all black pride and Black power and now their national anthem shoved in my face. Anybody else see a double standard or are us redneck cracker rebels in the south still the racist?

  65. #365576
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:16 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Just A Grunt,
    Definite double standard, but you already knew that. ;-)

  66. #365587
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:37 am, Weary Citizen said:

    I am tired of the victim card. Really tired of it. Slavery is a horrible act. Most realize that. But it is also been a part of EVERY society that EVER existed. Fortunately, we have moved past it. Unfortunately, some will never move past it since it is there crutch and excuse for everything bad in their lives (and a $ maker for others). Reality is we must take responsbility for our own lives. I fully believe african americans (and I hate using hyphens for this) have every chance to succeed in America as anyone else. And the rewards are 1000X better than anything in African nations. That can be shown over and over with statistics, even if it the race hustlers want to deny it and play the PC card. The point is, we continue to drift toward a nation of “squabbling nationalties” that can not and will not end good for anyone here.

  67. #365588
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 am, MikeA331 said:

    I hate that damn song I was taught it in elementary by a leftist music teacher…… she didn’t last too long in the Fort Bend indepentdant school district. Things like this are a part of the problem of blacks having an American identity and not a racial one. For the record No I’m not white I’m the son of a Nigerian immigrant (no my African father didn’t run from me even though he was a track star) and a Jamaican immigrant…..never made sense to have a “black” anthem to them doesn’t make sense to me. P.S. they both came here legally and are citizens.

  68. #365589
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 am, RedDog said:

    Racists of whatever stripe must be repudiated. Until blacks acknowledge that racism is endemic in their popular culture, this will continue. This is not a healthy exercise by any standard.

  69. #365590
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:44 am, RedDog said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 am, MikeA331 said:
    For the record No I’m not white I’m the son of a Nigerian immigrant (no my African father didn’t run from me even though he was a track star) and a Jamaican immigrant

    Mike: The point is, you are an American, as am I. That’s what bonds us all together. The strategy of the left is to divide and conquer. These dummies fall right into that trap.

  70. #365592
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:49 am, NJRepublican said:

    I sent her an email to tell her how I felt: rene@renemarie.com

  71. #365593
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:49 am, Milwaukee Mike said:

    I don’t know art, but I know that this (however you depict it) was a contemptuous display toward one of the institutions (local government) of our great nation.

  72. #365595
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 am, Send_Me said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 7:56 am, DarkKnight said:
    *sigh*
    To sing this song, no one is trying to “take over [the] country. As I said, this song is about recognizing the past and moving forward into the future.

    The mere singing of this song: no, it does not. However, to sing the NAACP’s declared “Negro National Anthem” in the place of the Star-Spangled Banner is a subversive act. That is my main point.

    It is important we recognize and celebrate our cultural histories in this country.

    Why? I have no reason to celebrate “our cultural histories.” This may sound closed-minded. In fact, it is. Some cultures have been weighed, measured, and found wanting. Why should I celebrate cultures that may not necessarily have that much to offer? I don’t celebrate every idea that’s offered merely because it is an idea. To do so would be an insult to reason, which allows us to differentiate between a good idea and a bad idea. To celebrate all cultures is to abandon reason. Philippians 4:8 comes to mind: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Should I celebrate Muslim culture? Should I blindly celebrate the Klan’s culture? Should I take as my own cultures that focus primarily on victimization? No, because there is no growth in doing so.

    At the same time, we all recognize must continue to move forward. If this event sparks a discussion on our ideas on how to do that, then that is never a bad thing.

    My proposal: quit clinging to past ideas that don’t work or are counterproductive. What is this song? 1) Very depressing. One never moves forward by saying how “stony the road we trod” was. 2) Not a call to action. It celebrates the idea of being a victim. This poem is not forward thinking, but rather detracting from progress. I think I’ll hold out for something better.

  73. #365599
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:00 am, dlabedz said:

    Michelle. Malkin is more the embodiment of Patriotism than anyone on the left.

    Michelle demonstrates her patriotism everyday with her search for the truth, love of God, family and country.

    She manages to do this most every day, and lives through some of the most hate filled and ugly criticism from moonbats and dummycrats.

    MM is an American hero, and true Patriot.

    Michelle, thank you and God Bless you and your family this Independence Day!

  74. #365602
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 am, rplatt said:

    Go ahead people, elect Obama and the rest of those leftists and the disappearance of the Star Spangled Banner will be the least of your worries. The Republic is in serious trouble.

  75. #365606
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:21 am, TypicalWhite said:

    Miss Ladybug said: I followed the link, and learned that the song was written as a poem in 1899. That would explain the imagery of a dark past and present hope, and talk of slaughter – it didn’t mention the age of the poet, but if he hadn’t been born a slave, his parents likely had been, so that stain on the national character was still in living memory. Taken in that context, I find no fault with the words. What I have a problem with is this woman taking it upon herself to substitute the National Anthem with it.

    I agree with you, except that this song has been designated the Black National Anthem, and as I and others have mentioned, the words clearly indicate
    that the “nation” or “native land” being referenced is not America. That I do have a problem with, in addition to her inappropriate substitution.

    How about when the U.S. Marine Band is asked to play “Hail to the Chief” for BO (God forbid!) it instead plays “Deutschland Uber Alles”? They’re both patriotic songs.

  76. #365608
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:21 am, max said:

    this post desevres repeating!
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 am, rplatt said:
    Go ahead people, elect Obama and the rest of those leftists and the disappearance of the Star Spangled Banner will be the least of your worries. The Republic is in serious trouble.

    VOTE MCCAIN AND GET OVER IT!

  77. #365609
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:23 am, bit_boy said:

    First, the blacks should have their own anthem and their own country. And second, they should have their own football, basketball, and baseball leagues. They could be named the NFL, NBA. and NBL for Negro Football League, Negro Basketball Association, and Negro Baseball League.The N-word, that word whites are not allowed to utter, can be substituted for Negro. Their country might be name Zambia or Niger. For those ready to come out of their self righteous skins, Niger is pronounced Ni jÃr. So, both are already black countries and only require relocation of American blacks. Most everyone, except liberals and blacks not willing to give up their position of privilege, would be happier and school performances would improve 50% immediately and those in Denver would not be confused as to which anthem to sing unless they mostly don’t even know what country they are in.

  78. #365612
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:33 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    rplatt and max,
    You’ll notice that this thread isn’t about McCain or Obama. Focus. Just sayin’.

  79. #365614
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 am, xler8bmw said:

    #70 thanks for email I just let her know how I felt about her disrespect and offered her a ticket out of the country if she is so unhappy here!

  80. #365616
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:37 am, max said:

    30 pieces…

    sorry but it is related…

  81. #365618
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 am, jt3151 said:

    Her phone number is: 303-520-6705

  82. #365619
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 am, DesertLover said:

    tre … ROFLMAO …

    I have relatives that have attended both … so you can imagine family get togethers on Bedlam Series weekends …
    every sport year ’round … :smile:

  83. #365620
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 am, nhpatriot said:

    Well, she probably won’t be invited to ever sing the Star-Spangled Banner again. Hope she enjoyed her 15 minutes of fame. What a dope (there seem to be a lot of them around these days).

  84. #365624
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 am, conservativesRus said:

    VOTE MCCAIN AND GET OVER IT!

    Get over what? Voting McCan’t won’t help me one bit with my annoyance with an ungrateful person refusing to sing our National Anthem.

    So I agree with 30 – in what way is it related?

  85. #365626
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:50 am, wighttrasch said:

    It is important we recognize and celebrate our cultural histories in this country. We should not shy away from that.

    And how does something called ‘Black National Anthem’ celebrate our cultural history? Our cultural history is already evident in the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.

    Will we need other ethnic origins expressed in ‘anthems’ too? Can we play the ‘Missouri Waltz’ at your Bar Mitzvah?

  86. #365627
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:51 am, davidleerothmann said:

    If the mayor of Oklahoma City had “Dixie” sung at an official meeting there would be calls for his head on a stick.

    That is correct, and we need to take OUR heritage back. For too long the tyrannical minority has had its cake and eaten it too. I think the principal upshot of the obama phenom will be to free White Europeans to embrace our cultural heritage, the civilization we have created, and if we feel like it to gather our own million man march and sing “Dixie” on the National Mall at the top of our lungs.

  87. #365634
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:59 am, max said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 am, rplatt said:
    Go ahead people, elect Obama and the rest of those leftists and the disappearance of the Star Spangled Banner will be the least of your worries. The Republic is in serious trouble.

    above i have once again repeated the post that i belives shows a relation. … you may not agree, that’s fine. i’m just honestly saying i do agree and believe that we will indeed see more of this type of protest/dishonesty/anti-patriotism under an Obamanation…and unless i am mistaken, there is only one way to avoid an Obamanation, and that is to vote for JM

  88. #365635
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:01 am, WarEagle82 said:

    Wait! That song has the word “God” in it! How can they sing that at an official government gathering!!! Call the ACLU! Alert the Supreme Court! Establishment! Establishment! Establishment!!!!

    Let that cry ring….

  89. #365639
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am, wighttrasch said:

    Watch the Eastwood movie ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’. There’s a scene in it in which a ferryman sings ‘Dixie’ part of the way across the river (when he’s taking the Bushwackers), and when he returns to fetch the awful Jayhawkers he begins singing ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’.

    Ah, good times.

  90. #365641
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:09 am, taylork said:

    I am now waiting for the official Ted Kennedy Spanish version.

  91. #365645
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 am, HeatherRadish said:

    WarEagle82:

    Fight them with their own tools, I like it!

  92. #365649
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:19 am, Knife-n-Dork said:

    She reminds me of those who just couldn’t understand why the confederate stars-n-bars just wasn’t an appropriate symbol for the flag of some southern states. Fortunately they’re a dying breed.

  93. #365650
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:19 am, Nichevo said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:13 am, Just A Grunt said:
    They took the playing of “Dixie” away from us in the south

    Ah, but this “artistic” lady still sings “Dixie” — with a twist of the knife:

    “Marie, who relishes the drama of the unexpected, had thought to pair the traditional white anthem Dixie with the heartbreaking meditation on lynching Strange Fruit. She brought off the collision of opposites as an ironic comment on the way the world still works…….

    “She’s recorded an original single called Three Nooses Hanging, a pointed meditation on the Jena Six student race incident in Louisiana….”

    But, according to the Denver mayor, she “didn’t mean any offense.” Riiiight.

  94. #365656
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 am, faraway said:

    “I pulled a switcheroonie on them,” Marie said later. She explained that she decided months ago to switch the lyrics because she will no longer sing the national anthem.

    Denver Post

    Her real reason.

  95. #365663
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:34 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    If the saying – “we paint what we value” is true and painting (visual art), just like drama and singing are forms of artistic expressions… what exactly are Ms. Rene Marie’s values?

    Frankly, I’m tired of being told that we can bring everyone together if we’d only simply recognize how truly different we all are – we are all human beings made in God’s image. If that isn’t enough to bring us all together then no amount of change, hope and/or capitulation will suffice. Slavery has ended, it’s over. It’s way past the time to move on.

  96. #365671
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:37 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    faraway,
    I really wish I hadn’t read that. I was already ticked off about this, now I’m livid.

    “And I was going to correct her,” Marie said. “And I realized I didn’t feel like an American, and that bothered me a great deal.”

    What the…?

    And here we have DarkKnight trying to explain to us that there is something that could be learned from this woman. Pffft.

  97. #365673
    On July 2nd, 2008 at 11:38 am, traveler49 said:

    On July 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 am, Send_Me said: #78

    Wow! Well said Send_me. In fact it’s one of the best written pieces I’ve seen in a long time.

    May I add just one thing? I could do without the *sigh* from Darknight. It’s a little condescending.

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