Teens sue, didn't 'stand beside her'

Three teenagers who say they were tossed from a New Jersey ballpark for refusing to stand during God Bless America are suing the minor-league Newark Bears.

[MemyselfI]

I've never been to ANY event where the crowd was asked to stand during "God Bless America", just "The Star Spangled Banner". I've always stood during "God Bless America" for personal reasons, but kicking people out of a stadium for it is just not right. I HAVE been to events where people not only sit during the national anthem, but they're on their cell phones, or talking to the person next to them. I may get called names for this, but as long as those boys weren't disrupting people by acting like fools, they shouldn't have been required to do anything during the playing of any song.

[Laura]

Clearly it is a deeply personal issue,not to be taken lightly,to pledge ones allegiance to ANYTHING!
Too many people take these commitments without true forsight about what such a pledge means.Let's be realistic here...people can't/won't keep their "pledge" to their marriages(usually a contract/promise made between God and the two parties),much less to their country!

[elric]

Two issues here. First, "God Bless America" is a beautiful song, but it has no official standing under the law that would require anyone to stand, sit, or sing along. Neither is there any moral imperative to show respect for the singer or the song. Laura, it's got nothing to do with pledging allegiance to anything. Your comment is way out in left field.

Second, if the ball park is private property or is controlled under a lease agreement as if it were private property, the boys gave up most or all of their constitutional rights when they walked in the gate. Instead, they and the owner are bound by principles of civil rights and the terms and conditions on the event tickets. If the boys were roughed up when they were escorted out, they have a case. Otherwise, they should be tossed out of court.

[Reader]

Call me ignorant, but before this, I have only been aware of social expectations to stand during three pieces of music: The Star Spangled Banner; The Hallelujah Chorus; and Lift Every Voice and Sing.

I don't honestly know where this one will fall out, given the private property issue vs freedom of speech. But, it is surprising to me that it is an issue.

[Doc]

I been in combat and have watched first hand Americans die for you and me. These parents should be ashamed of themselves, explain to the boys why we stand and show respect. Then maybe people will respect you more as a parent and less as an scum bag.

[Dinah]

I don't blame them. They were there to see a GAME; not prove their patriotism.

[Ohio Lawyer]

elric wrote:

Two issues here. First, "God Bless America" is a beautiful song, but it has no official standing under the law that would require anyone to stand, sit, or sing along. Neither is there any moral imperative to show respect for the singer or the song. Laura, it's got nothing to do with pledging allegiance to anything. Your comment is way out in left field.
Second, if the ball park is private property or is controlled under a lease agreement as if it were private property, the boys gave up most or all of their constitutional rights when they walked in the gate. Instead, they and the owner are bound by principles of civil rights and the terms and conditions on the event tickets. If the boys were roughed up when they were escorted out, they have a case. Otherwise, they should be tossed out of court.

There is no legal basis to require anyone to stand during any song, pledge, what have you -- official, unofficial, dont matter. And no you do not lose all legal rights the moment you step into a privately owned facility. If what they claim is accurate, this is nuts.

[Ohio Lawyer]

Doc wrote:

I been in combat and have watched first hand Americans die for you and me. These parents should be ashamed of themselves, explain to the boys why we stand and show respect. Then maybe people will respect you more as a parent and less as an scum bag.

You were in a little too much combat without a helmet.

[Jason]

What's next, waterboarding for not singing "Take me out to the ball game?" Baseball is American's game... If you don't support baseball, you don't support America...

[LOL]

Doc wrote:

I been in combat and have watched first hand Americans die for you and me. These parents should be ashamed of themselves, explain to the boys why we stand and show respect. Then maybe people will respect you more as a parent and less as an scum bag.

I watched my buddies die face down in the muck so you and I could enjoy this family F'in' restaurant!

[rebel]

Reader wrote:

Call me ignorant, but before this, I have only been aware of social expectations to stand during three pieces of music: The Star Spangled Banner; The Hallelujah Chorus; and Lift Every Voice and Sing.
I don't honestly know where this one will fall out, given the private property issue vs freedom of speech. But, it is surprising to me that it is an issue.

CONTROL FREAKS see that "social expectations" ARE law! CRAZY! It is called group think. This is a free country and if people aren't respectful it is NOT a crime. I think showing respect is a gesture that I do during the anthem and such but THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY!