Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Montreal fans boo the American National Anthem

I see that Montreal hockey fans loudly booed the American National Anthem before last night's playoff game between the Canadians and the Boston Bruins. None too classy behavior no doubt but frankly in the absence of George Bush at the helm here, I think this was simply a boorish way of communicating hostility to the Bruins, but regardless why do we need to play national anthems before sporting events anyway? What is the purpose?

These are not team anthems. Neither country "sanctions" the event. Neither head of state is present. Do they play "God Save the Queen" before Arsenal and Manchester United get it on? I honestly don't know but I don't think they do.

Is it subtle national propaganda? If we stop, do the terrorists win?

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