Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Has God Bless America Gone Overboard?

A number of us Yankees fans have had a debate over whether or not "God Bless America" should continue being sung during the seventh inning stretch. It was originally started in response to the events of 9/11 and now is said to be done as a tribute to the troops overseas.

For many of us it is beginning to feel disingenuous. No other teams have continued this new tradition, even the Mets stopped. More disturbing is the Gestapo like feel that is apparently taking hold when the song is being played.

According to "The Gothamist", a fan was ejected from last night's game when he attempted to use the rest room during the playing of the song. A police officer stopped him from leaving the seating area. When said fan stated that he had to urgently use the bathroom and did not care about the song, the officer reportedly grabbed him in a forceful manner and ejected him from the ball park.

Other fans who attend games regularly have had or seen similar incidences.
"This tip doesn't surprise me at all. Everyone has to stand, just like in school, and you'll get berated and harassed if you don't."
The ejected fan has contacted the Yankees as well as the ACLU. Representatives of "The Gothamist" were still attempting to get a response from the Yankees.

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