Getting Desperate, Are We?

Dallas Maverick Josh Howard is in a bit of hot water for being caught on a cell phone camera saying, "'The Star Spangled Banner' is going on right now. I don't even celebrate that (expletive). I'm black." I'm an anthem-sitter, so I unequivocally support Howard in this regard. When I go to Phillies games, I do not remove my cap nor do I make any special effort to recognize the anthem or "God Bless America." Sports venues, in my opinion, are not the place to be making political statements and only serve to be divisive. In fact, if any of you Crashburn Alley readers ever want to find me at a Phillies game, just look for the guy that's sitting down during the anthem. It's a stupid ritual. You are not a patriot because you take your hat off, put your hand over your heart, and mouth the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as they're sung by a chorus of boys and girls from an inner city school behind home plate. These mean...