Originally Posted by hungryhorace (Post 10813297)

Absolutely not a hope in hell that I would stand up. If the sheeple want to, that's fine, but i chose to have my own opinions and not subject myself to brain washing of the stars and stripes thanks.

Originally Posted by Pulaski (Post 10813415)

But you're on a L visa, so you're a guest here in the US. .... Unfortunately you're a pompous and arrogant one. What an @rse. With that attitude you're going to have a lot of fun settling in and making friends with your colleagues and neighbors! :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by hungryhorace (Post 10813433)

If it makes you feel any better, I have the same attitude towards the British flag, though the brain washing levels of patriotism are minuscule compared to here in the US.

Originally Posted by kimilseung (Post 10813138)

Not likely to be an educated answer on this from me, as it is a bit of a gut reaction.

To me the anthem at the drop of a hat demonstrates an insecurity, that I find surprising from what is still the only real super-power, but at the heart of it, isn't that what all this nationalism and flag waving is?

It reminds me of Zhou Enlais famous words "It is too early to tell" but the question is about the American Revolution, The outcome of the revolution is still being fought, the Brits have been defeated but the true nature of America is unknown as yet, that can explain the Fox viewers fears of everything. 250 years or whatever it is since the Revolution seems like a long time, but in History I guess it is not.

The Anthem, the pledge and the flags are part of a state propaganda that tries to instil, as Orwell (from Carl Schurz) put it "My country, right or wrong",

That is why I hate it, it is part of the hegemony of the USA, to dampen down opposition to unpopular wars, inequitable social policies, all based upon My country, right or wrong.

Originally Posted by Pulaski (Post 10813415)

But you're on a L visa, so you're a guest here in the US. .... Unfortunately you're a pompous and arrogant one. What an @rse. With that attitude you're going to have a lot of fun settling in and making friends with your colleagues and neighbors! :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Pulaski (Post 10813440)

Nope. You're still a pompous @rse. :)

Originally Posted by Cape Blue (Post 10813445)

I think I've said before, I went to a hockey game in Chicago and it was an interesting experience.

First they had some military guy in full uniform paraded out so we could whoop it up about kicking some Iraqi ass,

Originally Posted by hungryhorace (Post 10813314)

Exactly. If others want to stand up, then that's fine - I won't object - but don't expect me to stand also. Your praying analogy really falls down btw.

Originally Posted by Trixie_b (Post 10813454)

What I meant is just because someone is praying, I copy their body language as a mark or respect.
If someone is praying I remain silent, I don't deliberately stand if they are sitting or kneeling, or move around and talk.

Originally Posted by Nutek (Post 10813456)

I stand out of politeness. It's utterly meaningless to me so why cause a (possible) scene over it?

Originally Posted by civilservant (Post 10813493)

:popcorn:

Originally Posted by Nutek (Post 10813456)

I stand out of politeness. It's utterly meaningless to me so why cause a (possible) scene over it?