Star Spangled Banner Act Isn't Patriotic, It's Posturing

I really don't care whether or not the Star-Spangled Banner gets played...anywhere. It's war poetry over a drinking song melody (which is pretty cool actually), but it doesn't directly affect my life in any way. A song is just that -- a song. Maybe it makes you feel something. I hope if it does, it's a good feeling.

I'm sure the vast majority of people are as neutral about the anthem as I am. However, it's strange to me that a staunch Republican like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick would be so interested in involving himself in the affairs of businesses. That just doesn't seem very pro-business or small government to me.

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Of course, Patrick made it all about "the men and women who died for our flag," which I find obnoxious. Using the deaths of our military personal as an emotional chess piece in political pandering is truly tasteless. Also, did he ask any vets about this?

I'm sure there are military who would disagree with me, especially older folks, but my point stands: we shouldn't involve them without their consent or feedback in any political posturing nonsense. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is NOT a veteran. In fact, he started his career as a radio host. He has way more in common with me than he does our military.

So what is this bill really about? It's about the Dallas Mavericks not playing it a couple of times last year:

The Mavericks drew criticism from local lawmakers last February after the team stopped playing the national anthem at the direction of owner Mark Cuban. The NBA later affirmed a league rule requiring teams to play the anthem before home games.
Cuban told ESPN the decision to stop playing the anthem came after consultations with both NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the local community.

Why are sports and patriotism married, anyway? What on earth do they have to do with each other? Are we pretending they are mock battles for mock freedoms? What a strange relationship. I truly do not understand it. Should we play the National Anthem before a trip to the grocery store? Before clipping our toenails? It's a random connection.

I do want to thank all of our veterans. I have darling friends who sacrificed so much, who came back different people. I have seen my friends lose limbs, teeth and the ability to ever have a good night's sleep. I want to be clear: I love you, and respect you. I just think it's really goofy to equate that with whether or not we hear or don't hear a song before a bunch of guys start throwing a ball around.

These opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Townsquare Media or anyone else on planet Earth.