Discussion

• July 2, 2008

  8:17 AM

  not gonna go hear Rene Marie, evah! writes:

  Mayor Hickenlooper has turned Denver into a joke--we provide safe harbor for illegal criminals who rob, kill and maim our citizens, brazenly flaunt our laws, and attack and kill our police! And now disrespect for our national anthem happens during our city events. This has to stop, pronto.

  When invited to an event to sing the Star Spangled Banner, a performer ought to sing the Star Spangled Banner. Period. Not some other anthem, not some other tune, and certainly not some protest tune. Mayor Hickenlooper and staff ought to be ashamed, and need to vet their "performers" before a "coup" by some dissastisfied "performer" like this happens again.

• July 2, 2008

  8:24 AM

  gr8fuldude writes:

  Ms. Marie was clearly planning this all of the time. This was ceratinly not done on the spur of the moment.

  I would suspect she was after her fifteen minutes. Looks like she got it.

• July 2, 2008

  9:02 AM

  Not a Racist but will be called one writes:

  Is this what we can expect if Obamma is elected?

  Will any of the cherished traditions of this Country (why would any be safe if the National Anthem can be defiled) be safe from redefinition for the sake of one's own belief and desire.

  Will the blood spilled by our American forces to protect and defend this Nation and it's traditions be for naught in the name of diversity?

  In advance of the outcry of racism;

  Yes, I know many of those were African American and we're proud and value their service highly

  Yes, I know that some of the traditions weren't meant to specifically include or exclude every culture. Do they have to? Doesn't America encourage each cultures traditions to live vibrantly both in public and in private?

  What should have been done?

  The person who hired this 'artist' should have stepped up to the microphone, appologized and begun singing the real National Anthem. As this is a state/city event, not a private gathering, it was inappropriate to continue the event without the proper prelude which is the National Anthem.
  

• July 2, 2008

  9:08 AM

  JW writes:

  "Will any of the cherished traditions of this Country (why would any be safe if the National Anthem can be defiled) be safe from redefinition for the sake of one's own belief and desire."

  What you are talking about here is FREEDOM, and that is THE MOST cherished of our traditions here in America.

  You get the freedom to do as you please, you have to give it to others who may do things you dont approve of. Pull up your "big boy" pants and deal with it like an adult.

• July 2, 2008

  9:12 AM

  Shaggy writes:

  I liked how she apologized profusely to the looper then said she had no regrets and would not change a thing.
  Is this the kind of change Obama has been promising everyone?
  Will this be our new National Anthem if Obama gets elected?

  What is really funny is that the Looper thinks he has control of Stephen King's Landoliers that are headed this way to gobble up the city yet he didn't see this.
  Hold on to your hats people, it's gonna be a bumpy ride and all eyes are going to staring at our every move....

• July 2, 2008

  9:20 AM

  JW writes:

  "Is this the kind of change Obama has been promising everyone?"

  "Is this what we can expect if Obamma is elected?"

  "Will this be our new National Anthem if Obama gets elected?"

  
  Hate to tell you this but your statements here are racist in nature. Obama is not this woman. Just because she is black and he is as well doesnt mean ANYTHING. Its not racist because you two are bad people. Its racist because you are putting this woman and Obama in the same category based on the color of their skin.

  Thats STUPID, but I dont think its evil.

• July 2, 2008

  9:20 AM

  Shaggy aka Obamas typical bitter white person writes:

  No JW, What we have here is some Lady deciding she would cause a controversy by NOT doing what she was asked to do. She did not sing the National Anthem.
  The Black Anthem is not our National Anthem.

  The National Anthem is for every American regarless of race.
  The Black Anthem is for a certain ethnic group.

  What she did was divide the races just like Obama has done his whole life....

  Understand now????

• July 2, 2008

  9:28 AM

  Shaggy aka Obamas typical bitter white person writes:

  JW,
  Do you understand that this woman was the one throwing the race card out, just as Obama does frequently.
  It was the Black Anthem JW, not the National Anthem.
  And you want to say my comments are racist in nature...go ahead I really don't care...Obmaa does it all the time.

• July 2, 2008

  9:29 AM

  JW writes:

  "No JW, What we have here is some Lady deciding she would cause a controversy by NOT doing what she was asked to do. She did not sing the National Anthem.
  The Black Anthem is not our National Anthem.

  The National Anthem is for every American regarless of race.
  The Black Anthem is for a certain ethnic group."

  I can see this point of view. She is still free to do so in our society. And of course she is also free to never be invited to sing the national anthem again.

  "What she did was divide the races just like Obama has done his whole life....

  Understand now????"

  This is your opinion Shaggy. Its still racist bs to lump the two together just because they are black. Sorry. Thats just how it is.

  Hell, it would be the same stupid racism to lump you and I together because we are white. You say some stupid wingnut crap, and people start asking "if JW is elected, is this what we can expect?" We are NOTHING alike accept where the color of our skin is concerned. The fact that Obama is black does not mean he would approve of this black woman singing something other than the national anthem. As an AMERICAN, I would hope he would approve of her freedom to do so, and the freedom not to hire her to sing the anthem ever again.

• July 2, 2008

  9:34 AM

  gr8fuldude writes:

  Mark - Do you, or does anyone on staff know if there was a contract in place, or if she received any payment for this public performance? If such a contract specifically stated that she would be singing the national anthem, than I would imagine she was pretty confined in song choice. If no contract existed, the event organizers should have screened their choices a little deeper.

  In the meantime, does anyone know what Hick (remember him?) said? Any landmark moments from the actual speech?

• July 2, 2008

  9:37 AM

  JW writes:

  "JW,
  Do you understand that this woman was the one throwing the race card out, just as Obama does frequently.
  It was the Black Anthem JW, not the National Anthem.
  And you want to say my comments are racist in nature...go ahead I really don't care...Obmaa does it all the time."

  What she did was racist. Comparing her to Obama because he is black was you being racist. Congrats, youre both racist.

• July 2, 2008

  9:38 AM

  SASQUATCH writes:

  So, when can we expect Hick to go to Ft. Carson, appologize to the troops of whom nearly 250 have died in combat, and then swear on a stack of bibles that he will never have a BOYSENBERRY colored person sing the BLACK nation anthem (of which there is no such thing) ever again!

  What's happeneing in Colorado anyway? First, we get invaded by a bunch of windmills and solar pannels and now a young kid can't even use a public bathroom without first rolling the dice? Is this the foul liberal aroma that we can anticipate even more of after the DNC pays us a visit in August?

• July 2, 2008

  9:52 AM

  Jarmath writes:

  If this kind of debate keeps popping up between now and November and the loser will be.. Omaba! This singing of the black anthem at a public ceremony is a stupid act that will make a lot of voters having second thoughts about Obama!

• July 2, 2008

  9:54 AM

  Mark Wolf writes:

  gr8fuldude,

  We're checking on whether there was a contract involved. My guess? Probably not. This is in the same league with singing the anthem at a Rockies game.

• July 2, 2008

  9:55 AM

  Jarmath writes:

  If this kind of debate keeps popping up between now and November and the loser will be.. Omaba! This singing of the black anthem at a public ceremony is a stupid act that will make a lot of voters having second thoughts about Obama!

• July 2, 2008

  9:55 AM

  Jarmath writes:

  If this kind of debate keeps popping up between now and November and the loser will be.. Omaba! This singing of the black anthem at a public ceremony is a stupid act that will make a lot of voters having second thoughts about Obama!

• July 2, 2008

  10:03 AM

  Shaggy aka Obamas typical bitter white person and getting more bitter as the days go by. writes:

  I forgot JW, we cannot bring Obama into anything that involves race or we will be labeled a racist..you even agreed with me on that point.
  OMG I am a racist cause I compared the plastic messiah to the black anthem.hehehe

  What she did was disrespect America because she wanted people to know how SHE felt about America and it was inappropriate.
  This is not about freedom of speech.

  Dude, There was not a contract but that does not excuse what she did.
  There was a verbal understanding that she was to sing the national anthem...

• July 2, 2008

  10:04 AM

  JW writes:

  "If this kind of debate keeps popping up between now and November and the loser will be.. Omaba! This singing of the black anthem at a public ceremony is a stupid act that will make a lot of voters having second thoughts about Obama!"

  Jesus. This country has a LONG way to go.

• July 2, 2008

  10:12 AM

  Toddler's Dad writes:

  Shaggy - How do those "Pull-Ups" training pants work for you? Do you notice any leaking when you are down on your knees installing carpet? They seem to work ok for my son, but not if he has a rough night.

• July 2, 2008

  10:12 AM

  Shaggy aka Obamas typical bitter white person and getting more bitter as the days go by. writes:

  Jarmath,
  Don't you understand by now that anyone who even mentions the color of Obamas skin is a racist?
  That is just one of a very long list of truths pertaining to the King Hussein we cannot talk about.
  Oops, his middle name is one..Oh well I have already been labeled.

  
  

• July 2, 2008

  10:16 AM

  JW writes:

  "I forgot JW, we cannot bring Obama into anything that involves race or we will be labeled a racist..you even agreed with me on that point."

  Youre an idiot Shaggy. You can talk about Obama without being racist. You can say you hate the guys policies, or hes a rabid liberal, etc.

  When you take what this black woman did, and ask if this is what we can expect from Obama, its racist. Why? Because the only thing this woman and Obama have in common is...race. Get it?

  probably not.

  "What she did was disrespect America because she wanted people to know how SHE felt about America and it was inappropriate."

  Inappropriate in YOUR oppinion. I myself think she shouldnt be hired for singing at publicly funded events again. Thats the free market.

  "This is not about freedom of speech."

  Actually it is. She had a right to do what she did (unless their was a contract, as Gr8 has said). If people dont like it, they are free NOT TO HIRE HER AGAIN.

  "Dude, There was not a contract but that does not excuse what she did.
  There was a verbal understanding that she was to sing the national anthem..."

  Then...DONT HIRE HER in the future.

  Anyway, all these gripes about her, however realistic, dont say a DAMN THING about Obama, unless you get racist, and tie him into it because he is also black.

  Get it?

  Probably not.

• July 2, 2008

  10:20 AM

  JW writes:

  "Don't you understand by now that anyone who even mentions the color of Obamas skin is a racist?"

  Stupid. Its not about that. Its about saying "Look what this bad black woman did. Is this what we can expect from Obama?"

  Its the same as saying "Look what this bad redneck KKK member did. Is this what we can expect from McSame?"

  Get it?

  Probably not.

• July 2, 2008

  10:39 AM

  Anonymous writes:

  No JW, You are the stupid one.
  What you are saying is that it is a freedom of speech issue.
  If this were true, if someone walked up to her while she was singing the black anthem and told her to stop and sing the national anthem she could sue.
  Wrong, she was asked to sing the National Anthem...she was not asked to sing the black anthem.

  How about this...In MY OPINION, it is likely we will see more of this kind of behavior if Obama gets elected????

  
  Jarmath,
  I Forgot to tell you that the loons will attack you regardless if you mention the color of his skin,all you have to do is point out inconvenient facts such as he served on the same board with an admitted terrorist who has set of bombs at Government buildings.
  

• July 2, 2008

  10:39 AM

  Tree writes:

  8dude-
  Listening to AM radio this morning, "they were saying" she was invited to sing. No contract involved.
  My take, she stepped out of line, she didn't sing what she was expected to sing. I'm assuming she was "expected" to sing the National Anthem.

  Shaggy- You dug yourself a hole you can't get out of again. There isn't a rope long enough to pull you out but long enough to hang yourself. JW has taken you to the woodshed and beaten you silly.

  
  

• July 2, 2008

  10:44 AM

  jay writes:

  "What we have here is some Lady deciding she would cause a controversy by NOT doing what she was asked to do."

  that's right, shaggy.

  try to keep that in mind.

• July 2, 2008

  10:45 AM

  SASQUATCH writes:

  NO CONTRACT WAS SIGNED

  
  SAID HANCOCK ON THE MIKE ROSEN SHOW...and he appeared to be more than just a little than politely POd at the the BOYSENBERRY singer, as was Gov. Ritter on the very same radio show.

• July 2, 2008

  10:48 AM

  ArmyVet writes:

  I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
  Voltaire

• July 2, 2008

  10:56 AM

  Shaggy aka Obamas typical bitter white person writes:

  Tree don't be an idiot.

  This is not a freedom of speech issue dweeb.
  If they would have stopped her from singing the Black Anthem and told her to sing the National anthem she would not be able to sue. Got it??
  Nor can the City sue her for singing the black Anthem and not the National Anthem.
  Do you understand???
  She was asked to sing the National anthem not the black anthem.
  It is stupid people like this black lady that makes everyone have to have a lawyer present or contract written to take a crap at a public bathroom.
  You need to grow a brain dumbass.

  What she did was disgrace the event because she had a personal political agenda/grievance to get out...got it now????

  
  That was me at 10:39
  

• July 2, 2008

  10:56 AM

  gr8fuldude writes:

  Ok guys, if there was no contract, and no payment, then Denver got what they paid for. If there is blame here it is limited to whoever lined up this gal, and the gal herself for wanting to hog the spotlight. She had to know this would get lips flapping.

  As to the race issue, Shaggy let me ask you this: After the Oklahoma City bombing, did your business see any falloff? Did anyone ask you "How could your people do this?" McVeigh and Nichols were white, after all.

  To paint Obama as somehow complicit in this is just beyond asinine. Obama is no more involved in this than he is the actions of Sir Mario Owens, Michael Jackson, OJ Simpson, etc.

• July 2, 2008

  11:13 AM

  SirRealist writes:

  Seems to me that there is just too much sensitivity regarding race during this campaign. People, we have to be able to bring up issues related to race so that inroads can be made in continuing to make America color blind. People are what they are and they had not one bit of input in the selection process, so how can anyone make such a big to do about it?

  It reminds me a movie, I think Richard Pryor was in it, and someone said something to him like "You're black", and he went into this hilarious tirade about never having realized that he was black before, and about what a revelation it was to find it out.

  I think we're all big enough, and American enough, that we can finally stop pointing to one or two black people, like Wright, and now this singer, and claiming that Obama or any other black person is going to be just like them, aren't we? Gr8ful's point about Nichols and McVeigh is spot on. If you all want to be judged by your character and deeds, then give that same latitude to others, regardless of color, religion, etc.

• July 2, 2008

  11:15 AM

  Jeff writes:

  Shaggy,

  You always seem to be right on this board. Don't let the cowardly liberals like JW, Tree and Jay attempt to bully you, a tactic of which the left is infamous.

  If it's not in their best interests they will find a victims way out. In the process vilify someone else and bully them into fading away.

  This day the victims way out is claiming bigotry and racism even though the singer is the first to throw the racial stone. A contract WAS in effect at least verbally as the intended action to have the National Anthem sung. This was not a private event and I take issue with Mark's classifying this as the same as a Rockies game. It was not.

  This event shouldn't have continued and reflects the character of our leaders. Just as Bill Clinton should have told Monica that her behavior was inappropriate for the Oval office, Hick should have had someone else sing the National Anthem so the event could continue.

  This city administration doesn't have a clue when it comes to properly regognizing tradition and it's a testimonial to the direction we will continue to slide in the future.

  Tradition, Ceremony, and Customs are things of the past according to the Libs and Obamma crowd. It'll be interesting to watch the Obamma speech and questions for this topic. Ten-to-one it's not brought up and if so, dodged by Obamma.

• July 2, 2008

  11:20 AM

  David Hakala writes:

  This performance should not have been unanticipated. From a RMN article about Rene Marie, Jan. 18, 2008:

  "They also know about her penchant for risk - for defying authoritarian club owners, for liberating standard tunes from their ancient cocoons, for launching her socially provocative originals, with scant rehearsal, in packed concert halls. They know how she reinvents material from unlikely sources - Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, The Beatles."

• July 2, 2008

  11:49 AM

  history buff writes:

  This reminds me of the girl in Colorado Springs who changed her scripted part of the high school graduation ceremony to instead tell everyone about her personal savior. In each case, a public gathering was used by someone who decided to break her promise to perform a part of a ceremony to instead make a personal statement. Free speech is a right, but keeping a promise an obligation.

• July 2, 2008

  11:55 AM

  Jack Woehr writes:

  Tempest meet Teapot.

• July 2, 2008

  12:17 PM

  Ralph Erthanu writes:

  The beauty of this nation is that we fought a Civil War in which hundreds of thousands of innocent, non-slaveholding men lost their lives, to free african-Americans of the brutal oppression of the Godless slaveholders. Since then, great progress has been made in an effort to integrate our society and give all Americans equal footing in all facets of society. It is unfortunate that some still choose to promote controversy and hatred. On the white-side we have Aryan Nations, KKK, etc. On the black side, Black Panthers, racist cop-killing rappers, etc. And now, we have this debacle which serves only to divide - not unite. This was an utter abomination and will only lead to further racial animosity at a time when we need to be teaching the young people of America about character and acceptance. She should be utterly ashamed of herself.

• July 2, 2008

  12:18 PM

  Ralph Erthanu writes:

  The beauty of this nation is that we fought a Civil War in which hundreds of thousands of innocent, non-slaveholding men lost their lives, to free african-Americans of the brutal oppression of the Godless slaveholders. Since then, great progress has been made in an effort to integrate our society and give all Americans equal footing in all facets of society. It is unfortunate that some still choose to promote controversy and hatred. On the white-side we have Aryan Nations, KKK, etc. On the black side, Black Panthers, racist cop-killing rappers, etc. And now, we have this debacle which serves only to divide - not unite. This was an utter abomination and will only lead to further racial animosity at a time when we need to be teaching the young people of America about character and acceptance. She should be utterly ashamed of herself.

• July 2, 2008

  12:21 PM

  Ralph writes:

  The beauty of this nation is that we fought a Civil War in which hundreds of thousands of innocent, non-slaveholding men lost their lives, to free african-Americans of the brutal oppression of the Godless slaveholders. Since then, great progress has been made in an effort to integrate our society and give all Americans equal footing in all facets of society. It is unfortunate that some still choose to promote controversy and hatred. On the white-side we have Aryan Nations, KKK, etc. On the black side, Black Panthers, racist cop-killing rappers, etc. And now, we have this debacle which serves only to divide - not unite. This was an utter abomination and will only lead to further racial animosity at a time when we need to be teaching the young people of America about character and acceptance. She should be utterly ashamed of herself.

• July 2, 2008

  12:24 PM

  notforprint writes:

  So why is this linked to Obama ?
  Sure she did something dumb but i have heard worse things done to the anthem by many deranged performers.
  She is not a member of the Obama campaign and therefore it is stupid and racist to link the (stupid) actions of every African-American to Obama.

• July 2, 2008

  12:27 PM

  notforprint writes:

  So why is this linked to Obama ?
  Sure she did something dumb but i have heard worse things done to the anthem by many deranged performers.
  She is not a member of the Obama campaign and therefore it is stupid and racist to link the (stupid) actions of every African-American to Obama.

• July 2, 2008

  12:33 PM

  JW writes:

  Shaggy,

  Youre right about it not being a freedom of speech issue. But Im confused as to what your fix is? A signed contract would hold her liable for not providing the services she was supposed to. Out side of that...she WAS infact free to sing WTF ever. It now becomes an issue of her not living up to what she said, not doing what those who hired her asked her to do, and a question of whether or not to hire her again.

  Your tie in to Obama is racist. Pure and simple.

  
  Jeff,

  I dont give a crap about YOUR traditions. You keep to them. Im moving on and whether or not you like it matters NOT AT ALL. I dont care if you feel like we are in a downward spiral. I dont give a crap if you HATE the way we are doing things these days. Why?

  Because...this is America. You dont get to decide what is acceptable for the rest of us. You go ahead and keep your traditions and customs there Chief. Just recognize the rest of us have the right to tell you to ram it in your pie hole when you get bitter because we do different.

• July 2, 2008

  12:44 PM

  Ralph writes:

  There is an upcoming story linking Obama and his pastor to United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors. They are somewhat of a radical group down in Georgia. The story should be very interesting.

• July 2, 2008

  1:08 PM

  Jeff writes:

  jw,

  As always, I can expect your expletive laced comment. Typical liberal wacko lunatic.

  Too bad for you I don't 'obey' as you'd like. This America isn't yours alone. You can print this off and cram it up your pie hole, pissant!

  This was wrong, wrong, wrong. There are expectations and obligations. History, I don't quote you often but you nailed it. Civilized society abides by a standard of decency.

  jw, go pout in your own corner of nirvana. For your sake you'd better hope we don't meet up someday.

• July 2, 2008

  1:14 PM

  history buff writes:

  Maybe it is re-create 68.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrY9RVfVkws

• July 2, 2008

  1:30 PM

  oddball writes:

  The problem was inviting her in the first place without checking her out. They should have known she had a problem with America. Therefore, I think the tie to Obama is valid. Nobody checked out Obama, but everbody got on the bandwagon, and 99.9% blacks voted for him - self admittedly - because he is black. Maybe there's nothing wrong with voting on racial lines, maybe there is. Does anybody really know if Obama feels the same anti-US sentiment? No, but we know for sure his wife said she wasn't proud of America, and we know for sure his pastor berated America (to say the least), and we know for sure he reluctantly and gingerly distanced himself only after weeks of negative coverage. Big, big problem.

  And for this singer to say "she feels like a foreigner in America" is an insult to foreigners who embrace this country and love it and sing the anthmem with pride. I invite her to live in New Orleans where it's a "chocolate-city" or Baltimore, or Detroit, or Cleveland, etc. and then tell us how proud of her race she is. Then there's always France.

• July 2, 2008

  1:37 PM

  Shaggy aka Obamas typical bitter white person writes:

  Dude,
  My business did not blink when during the OC bombing, however I do remember when TM got caught the issue of him being white was not as big of an issue as him being an American and having served in the military was.

  Jeff,
  Spot on as usual.
  Any time someone brings up one of Obamas many blemishes they will be attack as being a racist, lying or just stupid.
  When they are confronted with the facts they turn and bash Bush or John McCain to draw the attention off of their plastic messiah.

  JW,
  This isn't about Obama, I do not have a fix.
  This lady was out to spread her personal, political and racist agenda when it was understood she was going to preform the National Anthem.
  She was not free to do WTF she wanted, however what can they do about it now except to not ever invite her from now on or if they do they will sign a contract.
  The reason Obama was brought into the mix is because I had a couple questions and the loons flew of the handle to protect their Rock Star.
  I simply asked

  "Is this the kind of change Obama has been promising everyone?
  Will this be our new National Anthem if Obama gets elected?"

  This is what I have saying all along, anything that someone says or questions about Obama it will be turned into a racist comment.
  It doesn't even have to be about the color of his skin, it can be how he wants to almost double capital gains and put a windfall tax on the oil companies and I will be attacked.

  I personally find it amusing and laughable how many of you have man crushes on Obama.

  Why is it that many on the left keep refering to how old McCain is...which he is, but we can't refer to Obama as a black man...which he is..or the racial statements he has made in his book?

• July 2, 2008

  1:41 PM

  Campbell writes:

  It was embarrassing and self serving. She did it for herself, not for being a black person or confusion about her patriotism. She wanted the media attention and she got it. She disrespected our national anthem, the city of the Denver and every American to get that media attention.

• July 2, 2008

  1:43 PM

  Campbell writes:

  It was embarrassing and self serving. She did it for herself, not for being a black person or confusion about her patriotism. She wanted the media attention and she got it. She disrespected our national anthem, the city of the Denver and every American to get that media attention.

• July 2, 2008

  1:56 PM

  Anonymous writes:

  'Why is it that many on the left keep refering to how old McCain is...which he is, but we can't refer to Obama as a black man...which he is..or the racial statements he has made in his book?'

  Just as food for thought shaggy, neither man can do anything about either condition. But some people bring up McCain's age b/c of the possibility that he might not make it four years due to health concerns. But Obama's color doesn't have one iota of anything to do with his health or his ability to complete four years, other than it gives him better odds than McCain because of the ages of the men. Make sense? If color is brought up, it sounds 'racist' in intent, but when age is brought up, it's a legitimate concern of the electorate.

• July 2, 2008

  1:57 PM

  Miss Kitty Kat Girl writes:

  JW,

  A verbal contract/agreement is just as valid as a signed contract. She broke the contract/agreement. She was invited to sing the National Anthem. She wasn't invited to freely sing WTF ever she wanted. National Anthem doesn't imply her version of said National Anthem. People do have the right to be in an uproar and I'm all about tradition. Keeps me grounded unlike you.

• July 2, 2008

  2:01 PM

  Miss Kitty Kat Girl writes:

  JW,

  A verbal contract/agreement is just as valid as a signed contract. She broke the contract/agreement. She was invited to sing the National Anthem. She wasn't invited to freely sing WTF ever she wanted. National Anthem doesn't imply her version of said National Anthem. People do have the right to be in an uproar and I'm all about tradition. Keeps me grounded unlike you.

  And you don't have the freedom to "do as you please." We have laws/rules that we follow in order to keep civility in this society.

• July 2, 2008

  2:04 PM

  Miss Kitty Kat Girl writes:

  JW,

  A verbal contract/agreement is just as valid as a signed contract. She broke the contract/agreement. She was invited to sing the National Anthem. She wasn't invited to freely sing WTF ever she wanted. National Anthem doesn't imply her version of said National Anthem. People do have the right to be in an uproar and I'm all about tradition. Keeps me grounded unlike you.

  And you don't have the freedom to "do as you please." We have laws/rules that we follow in order to keep civility in this society.

• July 2, 2008

  2:08 PM

  W Hunt writes:

  Jeff said...
  "As always, I can expect your expletive laced comment. Typical liberal wacko lunatic."
  Exactly which part of JW's post do you consider "expletive laced"? The part where he uses the word "crap"?
  As usual...Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand. Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand.
  

• July 2, 2008

  2:14 PM

  Shaggy writes:

  Miss Kitty,
  Welcome,
  This blog is a little different compared to the one you are used to posting at the main page. It takes a couple minutes to post. It will keep posting if you keep hitting submit. I usually just hit it once and then hit the refresh button and wait a couple minutes and hit the refresh again and it is posted.

  Oh and BTW, sharpen your claws when attacking JW or jay...go for the eyes:)

• July 2, 2008

  2:14 PM

  Anonymous writes:

  'to keep civility in this society. '

  unlike the lack of it we so often have on this blog

• July 2, 2008

  2:23 PM

  JW writes:

  "As always, I can expect your expletive laced comment. Typical liberal wacko lunatic."

  The only expletave I used was "crap". And its Hypocrisy to critisize me for using that one explative, then use one of your own (pissant).

  
  "Too bad for you I don't 'obey' as you'd like."

  This is the difference between you and me idiot, I didnt ASK FOR YOUR OBEDIANCE. I dont mind that you use your freedom in ways I dont particularly agree with. Its your right.

  "This America isn't yours alone. You can print this off and cram it up your pie hole, pissant!"

  Hehe, I dont need to print it. I AGREE with your right to do as you like. Its whackjob social conservatives like YOU who cant deal with others doing things you dont agree with. You want YOUR freedom, and you want everyone else to have the freedom to behave as YOU see fit.

  "jw, go pout in your own corner of nirvana. For your sake you'd better hope we don't meet up someday."

  Thats just pathetic.

  
  "This isn't about Obama, I do not have a fix."

  Then why did you bring him into it? Ahh yes. Because hes black, and youre a racist.

  
  "She was not free to do WTF she wanted, however what can they do about it now except to not ever invite her from now on or if they do they will sign a contract."

  So, she was free to do wtf she wanted, because they cant do a damn thing about it. Right? They are now free to do wtf they want, including never hire her again.

  
  "The reason Obama was brought into the mix is because I had a couple questions and the loons flew of the handle to protect their Rock Star.
  I simply asked "

  Yes, youre question was whether we can expect the same from Obama (because hes black) as we got from this woman (because shes black).

  Did you look at Timothy McVeigh and ask if we could expect the same from McSame, or Bush, or any other white guy? No.

  "This is what I have saying all along, anything that someone says or questions about Obama it will be turned into a racist comment."

  Oh for fucks sake. Its not "anything you say", its the RACIST CRAP you say. Why is it this black woman says something and you have to wonder if this is what we can expect from Obama, but when some white guys does some crazy crap you dont ask the same of McSame? Hell, when Toby Keith sings about asskicking America, why dont you ask if thats what we can expect from Obama?

  Because the woman was black, and so is Obama. And THAT is what makes it racist.

  
  "It doesn't even have to be about the color of his skin, it can be how he wants to almost double capital gains and put a windfall tax on the oil companies and I will be attacked."

  Ive never called you a racist for this Shaggy. Ive agreed with you on the oil tax, and said I dont think the doubling of capital gains is a good idea either.

• July 2, 2008

  2:43 PM

  JW writes:

  "A verbal contract/agreement is just as valid as a signed contract."

  Technically true, but notoriously hard to prove or deal with in a court of law.

  "She broke the contract/agreement. She was invited to sing the National Anthem. She wasn't invited to freely sing WTF ever she wanted. National Anthem doesn't imply her version of said National Anthem."

  Agreed, but the point was that the only thing you can do about it is not hire her again.

  "People do have the right to be in an uproar and I'm all about tradition."

  Youre right. You do have a right to be that way. The problems start when you try to infringe on OTHERS right NOT to be that way. I personally dont care about tradition. I like the best way to do things, and if that means going away from tradition, well, throw it in the history books if you like but Im not sticking to it any longer.

  
  "Keeps me grounded unlike you."

  You dont know whether Im grounded or not.
  

  "And you don't have the freedom to "do as you please." We have laws/rules that we follow in order to keep civility in this society."

  They are ALL predicated on not infringing on your constitutional rights. ALL of them. In this case, I dont see how you could regulate this woman's ability to get up there and sing whatever she wanted without a contract, and even then it wouldnt be criminal, but civil in nature. In any case, none of these "laws" and "rules" you talk about apply to this particular case.

• July 2, 2008

  2:51 PM

  Anonymous writes:

  "The person who hired this 'artist' should have stepped up to the microphone, appologized and begun singing the real National Anthem."

  Having watched many Cub games where a guest gets to sing Take me Out to the Ballgame, well -- there are people who are just plain tone deaf, i.e., Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, two Hall of Fame players who, though Cub heroes, should never be asked to sing.

• July 2, 2008

  2:52 PM

  Shaggy writes:

  Ohh JW, lighten up man, that's just typical of us white folk to think like that.
  If anyone is a racist it is Obama.
  I can show 20 years worth of proof!!!!!!

• July 2, 2008

  3:00 PM

  JW writes:

  Shaggy, even if Obama is a racist...it doenst make it ok for you to be one too.

• July 2, 2008

  3:37 PM

  jay writes:

  shaggy, we keep coming back to the same place with your conspiracy theories about obama's "racism".

  you still haven't provided us with the policy stances that support your tinfoil fantasies.

• July 2, 2008

  3:47 PM

  Shaggy writes:

  The way I read your statement JW is that you are not sure if Obama is a racist or not but you are sure I am one even though factual evidence exists suggesting Obama may be one and Zero factual evidence suggests I am one.

  If you would take a critical thinking class you would be able to understand this!!!!

• July 2, 2008

  4:17 PM

  poor pitiful rene marie and michelle obama belong together writes:

  A Denver Post story quoted this performer (in an interview) saying she doesn't feel comfortable as an American, the yada, yada, same-o, same-o baloney Michelle Obama spouted off with in HER media "queen for a day" fiasco.

  So what? Maybe she should leave the US, along with Michelle Obama who's also not proud of being an AMERICAN and living in the USA! If these folks are so unhappy, why not just pack it up and LEAVE? That's right--get the heck outta the awful USA, and go live somewhere else--may we suggest the Middle East, perhaps Columbia, Somalia, or even Liberia!? Yes, these two need to sample a little bit of outdoor plumbing, no city services, no free speech, no room service, no cleaning lady/man, and no nice big mansion like the Obamas have in Chi-town, etc, and see how they likes it! Then, just maybe, they might appreciate what THEY have in this country--but that probably won't happen, will it?

• July 2, 2008

  4:23 PM

  Shaggy writes:

  Anyhoo, I am out of here but have a couple points to touch on real quick.
  Whether we like it or not, whether it is justified or not, this kind of thing is going to affect Obama because of the color of his skin.
  It does get people thinking. It makes people mad that this women did this, especially white people.
  People still have the Rev. Wright in the back of their minds.
  It doesn't help when Obama plays the racxe card either.

  Here is another area where Obama is going to have problems winning the election.
  He has to get the Christian and Catholic votes in order to win the election.
  Does he remember that he is Pro Abortion and Pro gay marriage?
  You know, two of the top issues in both religions!!!

• July 2, 2008

  4:24 PM

  rassenkreig writes:

  just look at this wretched creature..she is not capable of anything so she wants her 15 minutes of fame

• July 2, 2008

  4:40 PM

  Mike in Boston writes:

  What a shock that she's an Obama supporter.

  Shameful. Disrespectful. Disgusting.

  I am a little sick and tired of Obama supporters telling me what an awful country this is.

  If you don't like it LEAVE!

• July 2, 2008

  4:43 PM

  Mike in Boston writes:

  What a shock that she's an Obama supporter.

  Shameful. Disrespectful. Disgusting.

  I am a little sick and tired of Obama supporters telling me what an awful country this is.

  If you don't like it LEAVE!

• July 2, 2008

  6:57 PM

  Grandad O'six writes:

  What a bunch of pitiable fools you all are! I know Rene; she did not do it to make a statment about the campaign, who she supports or opposes is her business. Nor was it to to gain fame or noteriety; she is well known in the music community as a singer's singer who puts her soul into everything she does. She is a passionate person who has successsfully blended the music to one excellant song with the words to another, and come out with a powerful statement that is more supportive of America than a lot of the pap that emerges from the self-anointed pundits of correctness. Open up, you otherwise uptight people who have to have an opinion regardles of whether you know anythig or not! Open your heart and soul and mind to everything that is out there! You neededn't agree; I'd be frightened if you did, mostly. But open up - you will let some light in, and you might actually learn something!

• July 2, 2008

  8:58 PM

  Shaggy writes:

  Grandad,
  I am sure she is a wonderful singer but I will hold judgment on her character because what she did was disrespectful and deceitful.
  If she has a problem with singing the National Anthem she should have kindly refused herself from singing it in the first place.
  I can safely assume the vast majority like/love our National Anthem the way it is.
  However,
  I am sure there are a few disgruntled people in America who do not...I noticed Obama didn't cover his heart when the National Anthem was sung during an earlier debate!!!!
  

• July 3, 2008

  1:43 AM

  b carson writes:

  The tragedy is that your exposure to black people, traditional political issues, and musical culture are all so limited.

  Obama as Candidate and a Jazz musician as artist personally or principally associated is vulgar at best. That being said, understand that stepping to a podium to deliver a thing agreed upon and delivering a whole other thing is unreasonable. That's a broken trust and/or contract.

  We live in a free speech society and at any point, juncture, or impasse a citizen has the right under constitution to make a rational statement. I am certain that singing an anthem of such prudent choice, as equally specific to our Nation and Constitution as Lift Ever Voice (also, Black National Anthem) is a marvelous statement of personal and group pride in a Nation and Country as demanding and every bit as rewarding to one liberated people as another.

  We're all United under one flag -- no matter what fractious divisions we construct or have come to accept -- and that's as radical a concept as a word substitution to a familiar, if not exhalted tune. The fact tha any one is willing to make a free speech statement, so creatively, so digestable and still so controversial could well be praised and emulated as the genius it represents, instead...there we have it (see above comments)

  I'm not saying your out of rights to be shocked and appalled. I am saying -- and most of the cogent arguments say it here in English more plain than my own -- that you could not have made such a deft political-artistic choice so true to your roots, if you're still blessed to represent them in any form and fashion befitting both a mighty country and its beloved people. Get off your ass and say something truly meaningful you dim-witted son of an immigrant. And find a Nation in this country -- there is a difference -- to be as proud of...maybe you will get the political-artistic point.

  That goes esp to "...Racist..." at 9:02 AM

• July 3, 2008

  4:08 AM

  zoot writes:

  Hey, Not a Racist but will be called one - you nailed that with your name. Her singing and the Obama campaign have precisely nothing to do with one another, unless you're a bigot who could turn a weather report into a covert Black Power campaign. Take your nasty attitude over to the David Duke website.

• July 3, 2008

  6:50 AM

  Carson, Grandad, Zoot, and the rest of you whiners need to listen UP writes:

  Hey y'all--please do NOT feel free to paint the rest of us with your chest-thumping "ever-body's a bigot" with statements like:

  "The tragedy is that your exposure to black people, traditional political issues, and musical culture are all so limited."

  Lumping "our" dismay to fit YOUR notion of who's ok and who's not with "black culture" does nothing to clarify the REAL issue here: the performer KNEW and PLANNED what she was doing, and chose to disrespect our national anthem and our national unity to serve her own purpose. Since she's shown her disrespect in a political venue, maybe she's also out up and down alleys at night slapping graffiti all over our community, as well???

• July 3, 2008

  7:53 AM

  Rolf Nader writes:

  This is a simple case of Fraud

  I go to a restaurant and order a cheeseburger.

  Instead they serve me meat loaf. I refuse to pay and walk out.

  There was a verbal contract to sing the Anthem.
  Instead she served up meat loaf. I sure the hell wouldn't pay her. She broke the contract. And the meat loaf was lousy too.

  Never hire her again.

  (hire Janet Jackson instead and hope for a wardrobe malfunction!!)

• July 3, 2008

  8:20 AM

  JW writes:

  "Lumping "our" dismay to fit YOUR notion of who's ok and who's not with "black culture" does nothing to clarify the REAL issue here: the performer KNEW and PLANNED what she was doing, and chose to disrespect our national anthem and our national unity to serve her own purpose."

  There is nothing racist about the above. Where people got racist was when they said this woman's behavior reflects on Obama. The only connection is...they are both black. Thats racism.

  "Since she's shown her disrespect in a political venue, maybe she's also out up and down alleys at night slapping graffiti all over our community, as well???"

  LOL. This statement is probably racism too. Just because she is black and sang a song she wasnt hired to perform doesnt mean shes a tagging gangster. If it isnt racism, it is stupid.

• July 3, 2008

  8:25 AM

  Observer writes:

  If this were a just world, this gal would be dancing around a fire somewhere.

• July 3, 2008

  8:58 AM

  Shaggy aka Obamas typical bitter white person writes:

  I see the racist Nazis are out patrolling this morning.

  Just curious, would Obama finally put his hand over his heart if he was listening to the "Black Anthem"?

  We all know he didn't during the "National Anthem"!!!

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QCkgg5Kjo

• July 3, 2008

  9:08 AM

  Linda J Johnson writes:

  Shame on this singer. Denver better "wise up". Aren't you holding the Dem convention? Got any ideas how that might turn out? This could be a prime example on what is ahead if we send someone like BHO anywhere near the White House. I am sick and tired of "poor me, poor me" racist attitudes from blacks towards whites. Enough is enough. My dear hubby has been deployed to a war zone for the past three years and he thinks this country has gone nuts! (Actually, our brown friends are sick of it also...they're being thrown under the bus and every other legal immigrant ethne group that has arrived here has had it with this division) My Filipino daughter-in-law told me that as far as she is concerned her family immigrated her over 30 yrs ago to leave this kind of hatred and division behind and now she sees it with this candidacy (BHO), Her suggestion is to divide the country in half--those for black entitlement and Muslim radicals, along with extremists and racists towards white take one half while the rest of us talk the other. Not a bad idea.

• July 3, 2008

  9:09 AM

  Linda J Johnson writes:

  Shame on this singer. Denver better "wise up". Aren't you holding the Dem convention? Got any ideas how that might turn out? This could be a prime example on what is ahead if we send someone like BHO anywhere near the White House. I am sick and tired of "poor me, poor me" racist attitudes from blacks towards whites. Enough is enough. My dear hubby has been deployed to a war zone for the past three years and he thinks this country has gone nuts! (Actually, our brown friends are sick of it also...they're being thrown under the bus and every other legal immigrant ethne group that has arrived here has had it with this division) My Filipino daughter-in-law told me that as far as she is concerned her family immigrated here over 30 yrs ago to leave this kind of hatred and division behind and now she sees it with this candidacy (BHO), Her suggestion is to divide the country in half--those for black entitlement and Muslim radicals, along with extremists and racists towards white take one half while the rest of us take the other. Not a bad idea.

• July 3, 2008

  9:19 AM

  If the USA is so bad, then go elsewhere! writes:

  If that Filipino daughter in law isn't happy here in the USA, then perhaps she should go back to the Philippines where everybody is treated equally, and there is no racism, no hatred, and it is a perfect world. Yeah, right.

• July 3, 2008

  10:14 AM

  prima facie writes:

  The song Rene Marie sang may be a lovely piece. So are "Some Enchanted Evening" and "Oye Como Va."

  But those would be just as inappropriate when invited to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."

• July 3, 2008

  10:44 AM

  GladysKravitz writes:

  The RMN poll question is a bit skewed. It should read "Was it appropriate to substitute the so-called Black National Anthem for the Star Spangled Banner, at the State of the City event?"

  That is really the issue here. Not whether "Lift Every Voice" is appropriate. It is very appropraite. Ms. Marie took a god-given American liberty to express herself, and now is paying the price for her outspokeness. It is hardly worth anything to get angry about, but certainly worth being critical for not doing what she was invited to do. Had she sung it afterward, or at a Black History Month event, or MLK day observance...yep it would be totally appropriate.

  So that we can move on from this controversy...I would recommend listen to comedian Albert Brooks' "Rewriting the National Anthem" http://www.divshare.com/download/744849-d85.

  Have a laugh, and enjoy our July 4th weekend. After all, we are celebrating our freedom this weekend, even the freedom to sing inappropriate anthems at inappropriate times/places, and make critical comments about it. GAWD BLESS AMERICA!

• July 3, 2008

  10:58 AM

  Hate It Or Love It writes:

  It's very inconsiderate that this paper only choose to ask a question which would make the singer seem negative when it was completely inappropriate for anyone in the town to send hate mail based upon the song that she chose. That alone would leave the whole rest of the nation thinking that the 'state of the city' was one of red-neck illiterates with little care for the cause of that day’s meeting- just the need for entertainment. I would like to think that few people are so bold as to take a stance of ‘hate’ based upon a song, but it seems that people are emotionally blinded by their own perceptions. The artist has said that she chose her song based upon the love that she has for her country- our country- and this town responds with hate? It would seem as if someone is insinuating a racial barrier that has no right to be brought up when considering the love that she expressed for our nation. Subsequently, the only hatred came from those who showed little respect for the artistic expression of love- or for the intention of that days proceeding.

• July 3, 2008

  10:59 AM

  Hate It Or Love It writes:

  It's very inconsiderate that this paper only choose to ask a question which would make the singer seem negative when it was completely inappropriate for anyone in the town to send hate mail based upon the song that she chose. That alone would leave the whole rest of the nation thinking that the 'state of the city' was one of red-neck illiterates with little care for the cause of that day’s meeting- just the need for entertainment. I would like to think that few people are so bold as to take a stance of ‘hate’ based upon a song, but it seems that people are emotionally blinded by their own perceptions. The artist has said that she chose her song based upon the love that she has for her country- our country- and this town responds with hate? It would seem as if someone is insinuating a racial barrier that has no right to be brought up when considering the love that she expressed for our nation. Subsequently, the only hatred came from those who showed little respect for the artistic expression of love- or for the intention of that days proceeding.

• July 3, 2008

  11:01 AM

  Hate It Or Love It writes:

  It's very inconsiderate that this paper only choose to ask a question which would make the singer seem negative when it was completely inappropriate for anyone in the town to send hate mail based upon the song that she chose. That alone would leave the whole rest of the nation thinking that the 'state of the city' was one of red-neck illiterates with little care for the cause of that day’s meeting- just the need for entertainment. I would like to think that few people are so bold as to take a stance of ‘hate’ based upon a song, but it seems that people are emotionally blinded by their own perceptions. The artist has said that she chose her song based upon the love that she has for her country- our country- and this town responds with hate? It would seem as if someone is insinuating a racial barrier that has no right to be brought up when considering the love that she expressed for our nation. Subsequently, the only hatred came from those who showed little respect for the artistic expression of love- or for the intention of that days proceeding.

• July 3, 2008

  11:18 AM

  Patriot? writes:

  If Rene is such a patriot and loves her country so much, why is she startled when called an American?
  News Flash: Outside this country, no one cares about the "African American" moniker! To them we are all Americans. Even inside this country most people could care less about the "African" prefix and just tolerate it much like tolerating a child's eccentric behavior.

  
  

• July 3, 2008

  11:52 AM

  nanbede writes:

  i am appaled that while this woman sang a different song other than the National Anthem, NOBODY CAME FORWARD TO STOP HER - and then the audience clapped. This act was completely disrespectful of our country. Has the US become the frog sitting in the boiling water - not aware of the changes going on around us until it is too late or are we just too afraid to stand up and say something while illegal aliens - from all countries - violate our laws, disrespect our country and tell US what to do. This is unacceptable behaviour and we need to speak out about it or we will fall just like the germans did when Hitler came into power and just like Rome fell - from within - not from an outside enemy.

• July 3, 2008

  12:03 PM

  nanbede writes:

  this was very disrepectful for this woman to sign anything other than our National Anthem. What appals me is that NO ONE CAME FORWARD TO OBJECT and then EVERYONE APPLAUDED. I'm sick and tired of illegal aliens from other countries who are allowed to sue, demand health care, become a burden to our system to tell us what to do. Have we become such a society that we turn our heads and ignore that is going on - are we the frog sitting in water as it slowly boils to a point that we are no longer aware of what is going on - Hitler did this in germany and Rome fell from the enemies within - not from an outside enemy - AMERICA - USA - WAKE UP AND SAY SOMETHING!!

• July 3, 2008

  12:04 PM

  nanbede writes:

  this was very disrepectful for this woman to sing anything other than our National Anthem. What appals me is that NO ONE CAME FORWARD TO OBJECT and then EVERYONE APPLAUDED. I'm sick and tired of illegal aliens from other countries who are allowed to sue, demand health care, become a burden to our system to tell us what to do. Have we become such a society that we turn our heads and ignore that is going on - are we the frog sitting in water as it slowly boils to a point that we are no longer aware of what is going on - Hitler did this in germany and Rome fell from the enemies within - not from an outside enemy - AMERICA - USA - WAKE UP AND SAY SOMETHING!!

• July 3, 2008

  12:30 PM

  R Allen writes:

  This statement in her interview says a lot. "Marie said she started working on the song about three years ago after she toured Russia and an interviewer referred to her as an American. She said she was "startled" by that reference and felt like she wasn't an American" If she doesn't think of herself as an American, then what the heck is she or where does she belong or where does she want to belong? I say revoke her citizenship and let her choose someplace that she feels more at home at. She says she "loves" this country. After her sorry excuse for a performance a few days ago, I think that is quite questionable. I don't believe she could hardly choose any other place to live that would give her so much latitude in such a disgraceful, rude,disrespectful display as her 'Black Nat'l Anthem" performance. If she had done this in some other country she could well find herself in jail or worse. Yes, I can see where she has a lot to be nasty about in regard to living in America. In this awful, tough to live in as a black woman place, she'll be feted by some, given high paying gigs by others or at the very least forgotten. Yeah sounds like a tough place for you to live lady.

• July 3, 2008

  1:53 PM

  Realist_79 writes:

  So true, the singers actions were unexpected, unprofessional, and should have been transparent to those who invited her to sing...........
  At the same time, it is very thoughtless and senseless to tie Obama and the future of the political campaign to this INDIVIDUALS' choice. I truly believe that when Obama states it's "time for change", he simply means that he is a potential leader who will stand for ALL PEOPLE. THOSE WHO ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FOOD CHAIN ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP, so that everyone in this wonderful country can enjoy it. What this woman chose to do and why is not up to anyone to judge Obama and/or the future of America based on her actions. AGAIN, I DO NOT AGREE WITH HER CHOICE, (she has her own agenda for what she stands for obviously, and she indeed breached the agreement), I just don't think it should be linked to any one person or group in particular. To hold someone else liable for another persons choice of actions, that they had absolutely nothing to do with is not a good look. Can't we all just relax? Stop speculating and dictating each others actions. Let's stop pointing the finger at one another and leave it in the hands of GOD. He is the ONLY ONE who knows what the future will hold. Do trust that he already has it written.

  Whether I'm black or white is not important. This is America, remember? So let us unite because there are much more serious problems in this country and the world.
  

• July 3, 2008

  2:23 PM

  Barby David writes:

  I understand that a CD of the song Renee sang was submitted to the Mayor's office before she was invited to sing at the affair. Someone in that office thought it was worthwhile or maybe someone there wanted to make a point or a statement and chose her to make it this way. Perhaps no one listened to her CD and simply assumed it was The Star Spangled Banner, and that was their mistake.
  My personal opinion is that Renee thought that what she sang was what she was invited to sing.I hesitate to even mention race in this, but when the protesters against her raise their voices I have to ask myself why they feel the way they do? Such hatred and fear is revealed in their responses.

• July 3, 2008

  4:08 PM

  Stephen C. writes:

  Why must "unity" always be on White people's terms and according to White generated cultural symbols, especially when these symbols and rituals originate from and have been used to justify oppression of other groups? The whole point of this coverage is to assert that Blacks are not fully American (according to a White definition of 'American' and according to American symbols generated during our Genocide and Slavery era) and to allow Whites to feel justified in their continued marginalization of minorities from significant political and cultural positions in our society. I can't tell you how many people I've heard say, "See, this is why we have to worry if we elect Obama." We don't question White people's right to social roles when some White person does something controversial or potentially embarrassing.

  This woman was dignified and respectful in her protest. I am appalled by the belief that our National Anthem should be meaningful to all because it is meaningful to some. When Whites tell Native Americans or Blacks that they should appreciate and identify with national symbols that derive from the early decades of our country they illustrate their historical amnesia as well as an ignorance of the continued structural injustices that plague this nation. You might read Frederick Douglass's Speech, "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" (1852). If you cannot understand why the National Anthem or the Star Spangled Banner are met with indifference by some U.S. citizens, perhaps it is because the social and cultural traditions that have shaped your identity are different from those that have shaped other peoples.

  I do agree that there is little room for "artistic license" in a political ceremony. But that misses the point. This wasn't merely an artist's self expression for entertainment purposes, it was a form of ceremonial protest that says, "If I am to ever identify as an 'American first' it will only be when the symbols and narrative of this nation are inclusive of the narrative of my people and our history." She wasn't choosing artistic license or entertainment over ritual, she was choosing ritual over ritual. She changed a ritual to be inclusive of Americans who do not feel represented by the current ritual. Why is it that being a “real American” must always be done on White people’s terms?

• July 3, 2008

  4:37 PM

  arby writes:

  Mr. Obama should not be associated with this incident in any way. He was asked about it and answered that she was wrong. "There is only one National Anthem" end of story.

  Maybe the Mayor was so taken by surprise he didn't react quick enought to shut the mike. Who knows. He certainly should have come out with a statement condemning her actions during his address not a day later. Shows me he doesn't have the big ones his predecessor does.

  Well he is in charge for better or worse. I don't live in Denver so I can't vote. However as Denver goes so goes the whole Metro area including Aurora.
  

• July 3, 2008

  5:30 PM

  100 Years of Lynching writes:

  I wish the people of this country actually studied our past so they could come to realize that the black people of this country have been forced into being racist against white people, heck, I'm white and I'm racist against white people. The government needs to set a precedence and finally apologize for the sins of the past no matter if they or their father, or father's father's father committed the atrocities or not and believe me the record speaks of a plethora of them. I think what this woman did was an act of vigilance and we must admire it because vigilance is what the National Anthem is about, standing up to your enemies. Unfortunately in this so called free country when you speak out against the structure of society you are immediately attacked for it. Come on folks you claim to hold on to tradition and symbolism, is the first amendment right a tradition.

• July 3, 2008

  5:31 PM

  100 Years of Lynching writes:

  I wish the people of this country actually studied our past so they could come to realize that the black people of this country have been forced into being racist against white people, heck, I'm white and I'm racist against white people. The government needs to set a precedence and finally apologize for the sins of the past no matter if they or their father, or father's father's father committed the atrocities or not and believe me the record speaks of a plethora of them. I think what this woman did was an act of vigilance and we must admire it because vigilance is what the National Anthem is about, standing up to your enemies. Unfortunately in this so called free country when you speak out against the structure of society you are immediately attacked for it. Come on folks you claim to hold on to tradition and symbolism, is the first amendment right a tradition.

• July 3, 2008

  5:35 PM

  disappointed writes:

  I can't believe how many hateful comments that I have seen. I especially cannot figure out how Obama got involved in all of this. How is this his fault just because he's black? That is like saying that any expression from any white person is McCain's fault.

  I live in Denver and I am a black republican woman married to a white man. I have never seen so much negativity and racism in this WONDERFUL city as I have seen since this controversy began. Yes, I agree that Marie should not have sang Lift Every Voice and sing, but she does not represent every black person.

  It is stereotyping to attribute this to every single black person in America. I thought by now that most of us had realized that we cannot blame a group of people for one person's actions. We are all individuals and it is time that we started treating each other as individuals.

• July 3, 2008

  7:38 PM

  amycakes writes:

  Black National Anthem? Hmmmm... Exactly where is the country of "Black"? Will they be represented at the 2008 Olympics? Will they play the "Black National Anthem" if they win a gold medal? Another fine and classy performance by a typical Obama worshipper! Rene Marie just slapped America in the face (just like Rev. Wright) and just turned off another million potential voters for Obama. Keep it up! At this rate, maybe Obama should go to the country of "Black" and run for President (and please take Rene with you)!
  

• July 3, 2008

  9:30 PM

  Mixed Race Democrat writes:

  I for one am glad that the selfish angry black woman has one-upped Michelle Obama. Now both of them can be proud of their country for the first time in their adult lives.

• July 3, 2008

  9:59 PM

  SirRealist writes:

  I'm wondering what MLK would have said.

  Everyone calm down for just a moment and think along this line; the singer made the decision to sing the song she did. Was it divisive? What would my black friends, neighbors, and co-workers say if I got up at a Rockies game and sang a song known as the "White National Anthem"? Might it cause controversy?

  I'm thinking it would. I would have Rev. Jackson, Al Sharpton, and probably Mr. Farrakhan calling me a racist, and rightly so. Why then do we have a problem understanding people's outcry that this singer's decision was racist, even if she didn't mean it to be. Obama himself (who has NO tie to this other than his comment about it) says she made a bad decision. I agree.

  Having white this, black that, yellow so-and-so, doesn't do anything but illustrate differences. We all have to stop that. We are AMERICANS. No nation of people comes together in times of crisis the way we do. It's time to remember that. Admonish this woman in your minds for having made a foolish decision, and move on.

• July 3, 2008

  11:45 PM

  Vonne writes:

  This woman is obviously not trustworthy. She was invited to sing the National Anthem, she chose to do otherwise.

  This was not her stage and she must pay the consequences for stupidity. She got her 5 minutes of fame, now go in your own corner and stay there. BO had nothing to do wth this and I'm appalled at the level of thinking of people. Our country is in trouble and we look stupid to the rest of the world.

  America is a great country, with flaws, race relation problems, the whole gamet. She did not help any cause but her own. You cannot do as you please at others expense. She has added fuel to fire for the "haters of anything and everything.

  The song is sang at many events, and as an American who hapens to be Black, raised in the North, I was never privy of the BNA until I reached my late teen years. I have always sang the NA and also enjoy "Lift Every Voice". Every ethnic group/ region has a song that is dear to them. The National Anthem is sacred and should never be substituted. She was wrong, wrong, wrong, and there is "no right way to do a wrong thing". Shame on her!

• July 4, 2008

  12:00 AM

  Amazed! writes:

  People never cease to amaze me. Jazz singer was only thinking of herself and how to get noticed. She accomplished just that.

  I question her husband's judgement, her musician and others who know her intentions. they are just as responsible as she. She is to old to for such display of disrespect.

  Go back to singing in the shower, your gig is up, you are not to be trusted!

• July 4, 2008

  12:25 AM

  Orville L. Kline writes:

  Regarding Rene Marie singing the lyrics "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" to the tune of The Star Spangled Banner. She has stated that she is a Patriot and loves this country. She has no more love for this country then the people that are trying to destroy us. She was very disrespectful, I classify her as a Racist who wants to stir up turmoil and unrest. If she loves this country and her freedom, how would she explain (if possible) her actions to the men and women who have fought for her freedom and died for this country (this includes Blacks, White, Indians and the list goes on). She shows no respect for this country and the same goes for Obama as he cannot place his hand over his heart when the "Pledge of Alliance" is recited. He can stand on the stage with other people and they can recite the Pledge and he will not utter a word. I feel that she does the same thing as Obama who wants to be our next President. From her little episode it is going to create a back-lash and Obama will feel the sting of her singing. Her actions have told me that she is a bigot and I feel sorry for her. Maybe she should pack her bags and leave and go to a country where she can enjoy her precious type of freedom. Oh well, what the heck. I am a retired Air Force member, a Patriot and I have a love for the United States, "America the Beautiful".

• July 4, 2008

  9:10 AM

  SirRealist writes:

  Orville, please go to the following website:

  http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/patriot

  You will see video of Obama with his hand over his heart, and leading the pledge of allegiance, and you can read his own words about this topic.

  I am guessing you are a registered Republican, as am I, and both of us have to understand that our party has a wonderful spin machine. Wonderful in that it works to near perfection. Not-so-wonderful in how it cranks out lies about those the party doesn't support.

  John McCain doesn't have a sure thing with my vote, and I dare say that may other Republicans are in that boat with me. After GW's reign as king, the decimation of our civil liberties, and the seemingly head-long run into national bankruptcy, I will not be able to vote for four more years of it, unless Obama shows definite proof that he will somehow be "worse" than McCain.

  In the meantime, watch the debates, and educate yourself to recognize smears from either party, including the outright lies about Obama not putting his hand over his heart, not reciting the pledge, and not wearing a lapel flag pin. We have been lied to long enough.

• July 4, 2008

  11:22 AM

  SirLoin writes:

  SirRealist is a Republican just as
  jay has a brain.

  Done.

• July 4, 2008

  1:47 PM

  DeucePrez writes:

  Interesting.

  While I feel strongly that the song "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" is appropriate for certain occasions and is still relevant to Blacks in this country to this day, Ms. Marie was asked to sing the Star Spangled Banner and should have done as she was asked to do or declined altogether.

• July 5, 2008

  8:09 AM

  SirRealist writes:

  No Loin, you're intelligent, just like I'm not a Republican. Only a fool, or someone who has nothing to contribute and is simply trying to stir the pot, would make a comment assuming to know something that he or she would have absolutely no way of knowing or verifying.

  You think that because I am disillusioned with my party (and I am far from alone) and would consider 4 years of changed course that would hopefully see my country be put back on track, that it makes me some sort of traitor? Fine. I would rather be considered a political turncoat than a mindless drone who votes a party line ticket regardless of potential outcomes.

• July 5, 2008

  3:59 PM

  SirLoin writes:

  That's right jay, I do.

  Nice try though.

• July 5, 2008

  4:02 PM

  SirLoin writes:

  And jay?...

  Only an ahole would try to feign being a disaffected R when things are not going so well with the golden boy vector of change.

  Your insecurities are showing (again).

  LOL

• July 5, 2008

  7:52 PM

  SirRealist writes:

  Loin, I am not Jay, although I find it overwhelmingly amusing that you think I am. I was well into a lengthy reply, when it struck me that it would be for naught. You aren't interested in discussing with the intent of teaching or learning anything -- you simply call names and make insults because someone states a view different from yours.

  Believe what you will, but I intend to watch any debates that are held, read interviews in which the candidates present and discuss their positions, and then in November make the best choice I can without regard to political affiliation. Hopefully, with either candidate, we can win back our Constitutional freedoms that GW took with permission from Congress, and we can honorably extricate ourselves from Iraq, repair our troubled economy, and fix many other serious issues we face as a nation.

• July 6, 2008

  8:28 AM

  SirLoin writes:

  Sure you do jay. I know that deep down in side you are not a partisan robot - the persona you project when you sign off with your usual moniker. You must really be an introspective thoughtful analyst who is fair-minded and respectful of opposing thoughts.

  NOT!

  Ahhahahahahahahahahahahhhhh!

  What a chump. Jay, you are the gift that just keeps on giving. Thanks for all the laughs you bozo.

• July 6, 2008

  10:50 AM

  Anonymous writes:

  as they say in New York SirReal, fuhgedaboudit .... the guy is obviously not bright enough to make a case for any of his points, and he obviously doesn't even recognize Jay's writing style, or pay attention to the fact that you and Jay have had discussions the past month or so .... stop wasting your time with the moron .... by the way, here's a question for you ........ any idea how the people of Illinois view Obama? ... I mean, I've seen reports on McCain where he has pretty broad-based support from Arizonans, and it viewed as a fairly centrist conservative, but I haven't actually seen any reports, polls, or surveys on Obama by his constituents .... got anything?

• July 6, 2008

  12:27 PM

  SirRealist writes:

  Anonymous at 10:50, I already did "fuhgedaboudit" ... good advice. You pose a good question about Obama, and I did find one story at:

  cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml (you'll have to put the www in front of it because it wouldn't let me post with it)

  It is from January, 2007, but it does mention some of his positions, several of which I'm not wild about. As a conservative I am first and foremost interested in guarding Americans rights provided under the Constitution, and he isn't necessarily a friend of the Second amendment, so we'll see.

  I don't have any summary data about how the people he represents feel about his work, but I have seen several sources including the in the link above where they mention he generally has the backing of the majority. If I find anything else that is more definitive, I'll pass it on.

• July 6, 2008

  9:06 PM

  SirLoin writes:

  AHHahahahaha. Jay to the rescue of .....JAY!

  Too funny dood. You truly are entertainment on a stick.

  Thanks again.

  AHHahahahahaha.

  
  

• July 6, 2008

  10:14 PM

  Anonymous writes:

  get some help man .... or maybe you're just in love with Jay and fixated on him ....... yeah, that's what it sounds like, and it sure explains everything

• July 7, 2008

  8:54 AM

  Anonymous writes:

  here's a link to a Chicago Sun-Times article that has a brief, mostly nothing story, and then a bunch of comments from readers that are pretty interesting

  http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/06/work_in_progress.html

• July 7, 2008

  2:37 PM

  Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) Good manners are important writes:

  She had every right to do what she did. And I hope all those who disagree with her actions excercise their right to never hire her or invite her to sing again.

• July 7, 2008

  6:36 PM

  Dr. Phil writes:

  Why is it that people convinced they are suffering racism act in overtly racist ways?

  Could it be the victimhood mentality?