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The Boss doesn't want you moving during "God Bless America," and he'll kick you out of his stadium if you disobey.

Last year, George Steinbrenner instructed security officials at Yankee Stadium to ban anyone from "excessive movement" during the 7th inning rendition of "God Bless America."

Apparently, he was serious.

The folks over at Deadspin have broken the story that a a 29-year-old man from Queens "made the unfortunate decision to blatantly disregard 'God Bless America' and hit the head."

Police at the game thought the appropriate reaction to this America-hater was to forcibly eject him from the stadium.

Read Deadspin's interview with the ejected fan here.

When did the cops in this country turn into the Gestapo? Freedom means the right to choose who and what you honor...even if it offends the majority of the rest of us. Obviously there is a legal issue here, since Yankee Stadium isn't technically a public place. But as a former lawyer, I can say with certainty that mandating "observance" in a semi-public venue is still a violation of our Constitutional rights.

Part of the reason I choose to honor the flag, and one of the things that makes this country great, is that we tolerate minority viewpoints. Once we start demanding that everyone think and act the same way, we lose the crux of what makes this country so unique.

Should you be forced to stand still during "God Bless Amerca"? Add your comment here.

Message Edited by Lee_Russakoff on 08-28-2008 12:29 PM
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  • comment number 1
  • date 08-28-2008 12:39 PM
  • author robbybones writes:
body Yeah, are we in Myanmar or something?! I can see that its respectful to honor America...but if you have to hit the head, you gotta hit the head! Also, patrons are paying at least $30 for a ticket to get into the game, it should be their right to use the facilities as they wish, as long as they're not being destructive.
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  • comment number 2
  • date 08-28-2008 12:40 PM
  • author Max_Fromage writes:
body I never understood why they play the National Anthem, or God Bless America (which is a bit arogant if you ask me), at sporting events. It's a baseball game, not some national event. Sing Take Me out to the Ballgame, then sit down, or go to the bathroom, but please don't make me prove my patriotism to a bunch of jingoistic mouth breathers.
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  • comment number 3
  • date 08-28-2008 12:42 PM
  • author BGALUM writes:
body It all depends. Is the stadium owned by the ballclub or the city? If it is owned by the city, sure, but if it is owned by the club, they can deny entrance. BTW...if the guy had to go that bad, he should have left early to beat the crowd...otherwise he ran the risk of getting stuck in line.
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  • comment number 4
  • date 08-28-2008 12:43 PM
  • author docbobma writes:
body When exactly did God Bless America replace The Star Spangled Banner as our national anthem? Standing with hand over heart for GBA only diminishes the respect due for our true national anthem. Its a fine song but no different than many other national themed tunes and requires no further "respect" than them. This trend toward intolerance of the most importrant of American ideologies - respecting the rights of the individual- is a scary direction for us to be taking.
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  • comment number 5
  • date 08-28-2008 12:48 PM
  • author cmdrjack writes:
body Disrespectfull yeh. Over reaction for sure.
I am wondering though how folks pushing for freedom of speech ideals think about the "Fairness Doctrine" being pushed through Congress? The PC crowd will have their way. George Orwell move over...
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body Would this be a story if it happened @ the Metrodome, Miller Park,Kaufman Stadium,The Cell,New Busch or Comerica? If somebody's gotta go, LET THEM,if someone don't wanna get up,SO WHAT. Geez to much ink for the Yankees and their dottering old owner.
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  • comment number 7
  • date 08-28-2008 12:54 PM
  • author ariesmonsta writes:
body I guess I do not understand the problem here, since when is God Bless America a national anthem type of song, as I remember Rosemary Clooney sang this as a Patriotic song, and it is one. But when did it become a song that you need to stand still for it . If you chose to stand still that is fine but if not that is your choice.
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  • comment number 8
  • date 08-28-2008 01:00 PM
  • author dandtpa writes:
body As long as there are Americans dying overseas to fight for what we as a country believe in.. (freedom and the right to choose, which we both take for granted) I feel it's appropriate to pause during the National Anthem or any song dedicated to honor America. In my opinion, tradition carries alot of weight is some cases, and this is one of them. If you have military experiance, I believe you can relate to this. Coming from a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of active duty.
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  • comment number 9
  • date 08-28-2008 01:02 PM
  • author jojo writes:
body I quite frankly don't care whether you like it or not, but you, out of common courtesy need to not cause me not to honor it, Keep your mouth shut,
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