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Separation of Sport and State

Matt Cockerill
Nov 8, 2009 at 3:45 PM
By Matt Cockerill

Apart from the traditional recitation of the national anthem, the state has gotten increasingly involved in all the good things about life -- most notably, sports.

Since 9/11, "patriotism" has mandated every sort of ridiculous juxtaposition of sport and state. I was horrified last year to see bureaucrat General Petraeus toss the coin before the Super Bowl in a supposed "moment of unity."

This trend appears to be only getting worse, as FOX has "deployed" their pregame crew to Afghanistan. This may be a kind gesture to some degree, but how can it not be interpreted as support for the troops and thus -- support for the vast crimes of the warfare state?

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Refuse to stand during US Anthem.  Secession!

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Submitted by Larry Kilgore (not verified) on November 8, 2009.

bwahahaha.

I agree... but be prudent with your viewpoints. Worship of the US government is deeply entrenched in the the psyche of most people, so they'll think you're just being contrarian for its own sake.

Matt Cockerill's picture
Submitted by Matt Cockerill on November 8, 2009.

What does the National Anthem have to do with "the state?"  There is a difference between "nation" and "government." Not every aspect of patriotic American culture is worship of the state.

And if you can't tell the difference between supporting the troops and supporting the war then you haven't thought about this subject for very long. I'd suggest you rethink what you've written.

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Submitted by Luke (not verified) on November 9, 2009.

Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.Thanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written. neat receipts Thanks

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Submitted by niccy4513 (not verified) on February 18, 2011.