[QUOTE=springer;3454756]
You’re kidding, right? Are you also one of those people who protests Christmas?
And BTW… Andrew Shephard WASN’T a real president. I hate to break it to you!!![/QUOTE]
I agree…they probably DO protest Christmas.
What a coincidence. Guess what’s on the boob toob as we speak. 
:lol:
Worth pointing out - Beezie took off her helment and was without any cap for a gold medal photo session so the suggestion of having to keep it on during the national anthem well anyhow, we’ll drop it 
(AP photo) Note that McLain had both hands occupied - helmet in one and flowers in the other - during the anthem. Another shot of the same from Reuters news photograph - during the National Anthem.
[QUOTE=jlf;3454728]
This is a strange thread to me… because of the responses, which imply the idea of holding your hand over your heart during the national anthem is ridiculous. For real???
I noticed that he didn’t as well as well. This is event distinctive in that the only reason Mclain is riding in Beijing is to represent his country in an international comptetition… and it’s not often you get to see your riders on top of the podium with the U.S. anthem playing. Am I disappointed that he didn’t do it? A little, … I am disappointed the people who think showing respect is stupid and playing the anthem is a waste of time at sporting events. We’re very lucky to live here, despite all of this country’s shortcomings. I also think it’s pretty great tradition, and a nice expression of respect for what we’ve got. It’s sad to see traditions like this start to fade off…
WELL SAID… couldn’t agree with you more.:yes:
[QUOTE=springer;3454756]
You’re kidding, right? Are you also one of those people who protests Christmas?
And BTW… Andrew Shephard WASN’T a real president. I hate to break it to you!!![/QUOTE]
You know, I gotta say this is off topic, but this gets under my skin. I’m an atheist. I don’t love that our FEDERAL money and pledge and what not are all full of god stuff. I don’t really care who celebrates Xmas or any other religious holiday and no, I don’t “protest Xmas”. But you know, it’s a PITA being an atheist in this country sometimes. Because we’re all about separation of church & state. But really we’re not. We’re about separation of OTHER people’s churches from our state.
Anyway, I don’t care about silly stuff like flag pins and hand over heart. I care more about people who are kind to each other and who can show good sportsmanship. And that’s just what I saw on the podium - delighted, proud team, beaming with happiness. Good for them!
I’m aghasted. Throw the bums out. :lol:
How many people really know etiquette these days. Most of us don’t even know which fork or glass to use.
He showed respectful attention - all etiquette really requires. I’ll hazard a guess and say these folks don’t have a protocol officer following them around.
[QUOTE=Coreene;3453818]
Well, since this pot is a-stirrin’, lemme just add that when I say the Pledge, I say “One nation … with liberty and justice for all” and leave out “under God,” which I think has no place in the Pledge (which was of course only added in 1954), same as I think “In God We Trust” has no business being on the $$.[/QUOTE]There is an noticeable drop in volume during the “under God” portion of the pledge on the faculty podium at our college’s graduation. But, you know, commie college faculty and all that;) And, it’s Santa Monica;)
Die already!
Please, kill this thread. It is idiotic. Can’t you people just be happy you won gold for like two minutes??? He just won your country a freakin’ gold medal, cut him some slack. Quite sure it wasn’t some premeditated attempt to slight his home country. I know you guys are fiercely patriotic and that is cool but this is just bizarre.
J Swan posted:
How many people really know etiquette these days. Most of us don’t even know which fork or glass to use.
And that’s something to brag about? :rolleyes:
McLain would have been perfectly correct to have held his helmet over his heart, the way baseball players place their caps over their hearts, had he wished to do so.
I wish COTHers would learn that “aghasted” is NOT a word! If something shocks/upsets/disturbs one, then one is “aghast.” “Aghast” is not a verb, therefore it has no past tense, and so one cannot be “aghasted.”
Maybe now the mods should close this thread. Such a long thread, and how horsey is it?
Well said, thank you!!
OMG this can’t be for real! Jeez, Mclain just can’t win huh? I am so thrilled and proud of him, of the whole team… they were all amazing! GO TEAM! AND CANADA! Woohoooo, it couldn’t have been a better competition and we should all be proud of how incredibly our team represented the U.S. Fan-freakin’-tastic. 
Aghasted is a joke. Someone used it as a real word once long ago, and it immediately became a COTH favorite fake-word. If I recall correctly, Coreene provided the official COTH definition:
Aghasted, verb: When somebody standing next to you farts a really big fart then walks away, leaving you to suffer the consequences, you’ve been aghasted.
:lol: :lol:
Nope. Not bragging. I know which fork and glass to use, I know the US Code isn’t something you can carry in your wallet, and I know how to show respect for a flag.
But I don’t think many other people do. And since the last time I spoke of reverence and respect for traditions in eventing, I had newbies complaining that they should be able to wear all the doodads that have great significance in another sport. Just cuz they think it’s cool.
In short - some people don’t care. I do. That and a dollar will get me a cup of coffee.
And as I so frequently point out, the word “aghasted” is a rather unique COTH’ism coined by some posters. I do know the correct form; I chose to use it for a reason. Which escaped you.
[QUOTE=Wellspotted;3454846]
I wish COTHers would learn that “aghasted” is NOT a word! If something shocks/upsets/disturbs one, then one is “aghast.” “Aghast” is not a verb, therefore it has no past tense, and so one cannot be “aghasted.”[/QUOTE]
Will raise you one “loose and lose are NOT interchangeable”
[QUOTE=Overo Kid;3454757]
I think the national anthem at sporting events trivializes the anthem. The national anthem should be played in parades, ceremonies, and the like, certainly the Olympics–but why at a baseball game? Maybe national championships–the world series or the superbowl–but at every MLB all year long?
It’s all about show–play the anthem at a game, put your hand over your heart, wear a flag pin. But heaven forbid somebody criticize, somebody say, “shouldn’t there have been a little more outrage over Abu Ghraib? Shouldn’t some heads have rolled?” Criticism is patriotic, wanting the U.S. to be the best it can be is patriotic–only through criticism do you grow strong. That kind of thing is more patriotic than the anthem at MLB games, holding your hand over your heart, or flag pins–for some, those things are about blind loyalty and just for show. Citizenship is action.[/QUOTE]
I disagree. If patriotism is only expressed through criticism, then it almost becomes a negative thing (even if the outcome is positive and we grow). I think it’s very important to attach positive actions/traditions to the idea–even if they seem trival–to provide an important balance. Symbols are very powerful, even when you think nobody is noticing.
Also, I’m pretty sure playing the national anthem at MLB games is historically-rooted…I think it started during WWI/WWII, when patriotism was particularly high. I like these types of traditions…helps you understand where you came from/connects you to the past. I don’t think this particular symbol needs to be reserved for only special events.
I think most people are reacting to someone being pissed that he didn’t hold his hand over his heart. I can understand noticing, but getting all upset about it? That gets a “for real???” from me. Of all the threads on this page, this is the only one with a red angry face icon.
I’m watching it right now and it looks like he just doesn’t know what to do with his full hands. Nothing evil and premeditated. Just a guy with full hands during an incredibly emotional moment who happens to train and ride horses real good.
Well, he removed his ‘hat’. Sometimes in Texas men do not even know that much about good manners.
I was proud to see the others with hands on hearts. However, it did strike my attention more than usual. Generally, I watch for composure, as the tears run down my face, at home. I do not remember seeing ‘hands on hearts’ in a long time. I thought it wonderful.
[QUOTE=granfan;3454912]
Well, he removed his ‘hat’. Sometimes in Texas men do not even know that much about good manners.
[/QUOTE] That’s why the announcer at the PBR always has to tell the audience to “stand, and remove cover, for our National Anthem.”
[QUOTE=jlf;3454903]
Also, I’m pretty sure playing the national anthem at MLB games is historically-rooted.[/QUOTE]
As a one-time employee of The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum (now that’s the after school job to have while in high school) I can give you the answer …
The first performance of the National Anthem at any sporting event was baseball’s Opening Day in Philadelphia, 1897
The only time the National Anthem is not played before the start of a Major-League baseball game? When it’s the start of the 2nd game of a double-header
This board NEVER ceases to amaze me.
wow
I guess I’m a commie too. It was taught to me that the hand over heart was for the Pledge.
Oh, and I’m also one of those soul-less athiests that doesn’t think God or the mention thereof belongs on any US document or the Pledge. Take it out, still makes sense, doesn’t it? sheesh. IMO, it’s racist by nature, unless you use the opportunity to acknowledge EVERY religion known to man.
Seriously people. He stood, still, at attention, and he looked like he was going to just plain melt he was so happy. sheesh. But, yeah, he’s a baaaad boy because he didn’t satisfy some peoples idea of patriotism.
Oh, and because some people missed him giving Saphire a pat, he’s a baaaad horseman. sheesh. I’m sure all the other horses just plain LOOOVED being walloped on the neck because they had a clear trip. I’m sure they all would have prefered a cookie and a snuggle from thier real mommies (grooms) to several wallops on the neck.
Good grief. I’m glad this is what we have to argue about.
