Memo to Barack Hussein Obama: You were somehow taught American etiquette wrongly - or never bothered to learn it. We do take these signs of respect seriously. These traditions bind us, symbolically, as one proudly free people to our remarkable history, in a solemn way which is well-deserved and has been hard-earned. Folks who have served know what to do, automatically but not without feeling. For me, such ceremonies bring tears to my eyes.
From US Flag.org:
The Pledge of Allegiance and National AnthemThe pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting in the appropriate manner. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
The SalutesTo salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform, or veterans, give the appropriate formal military salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
Non-citizens are not expected to do these things, and America-haters and academics - and even those who prefer for reasons of taste to be modest in their patriotism - will not be arrested if they do not follow the national etiquette - which represents something far larger and deeper than the word "etiquette" can capture.
For your further information, Barack, our national anthem happens to be The Star Spangled Banner. Admittedly unsingable by the average bear, but written in 1812 - a time of trial while a young, hopeful, idealistic, and fragile but brave nation was under attack. In fact, they (the Brits) were the last enemy until 9-11 to effectively attack our Capital.
I find myself thinking the old "America - Love it or Leave It" these days. It's a cliche, and a bit crude for California Chardonnay sippers, but it contains many important Yankee truths in its simple words. "Don't Tread on Me" is simple, too. So is "God Bless America." Millions aspire to come here, and break laws to do so. Perhaps many wish to leave this terrible place? Be my guest. It's not a good fit for you. Find a freer or a better place, and leave today. I'd suggest Dubai, France, Singapore, South Africa, or North Korea. Not England - it's become Moslem and you would be an oppressed dhimmi. Not Canada: no free speech. Argentina might be pleasant.
Maggie's Farm could raise a large fund for one-way tickets to "elsewhere."
