Was looking at the Chicago Tribune web page, and one of the printed opinion letters had a complaint that Phelps was not patriotic because he wasn't singing during the national anthem. :rolleyes: Also complained that Phelps and Lochte laughed briefly. (Don't know if this requires registration: www.chicagotribune.com/.../chi-16-top-viewaug16,0,1054318.story)
The comments section is running 99+% favorable to Phelps, with mostly "get a life" as a response to the letter writer. One person said that Phelps & Lochte exchanged a few words when there was a glitch in the anthem audio, but I didn't see that medal ceremony.
I don't think it was worth it for the person to write in to the paper complaining about Phelps, but at the same time I don't think it was dumb either. Alot of lives have been lost fighting for our coutry. When the National Anthem is played, it is a time to remember those that lost their lives fighting to protect what America stands for.
I'm not bent out of shape about Phelps laughing but I can see how some might be.
The letter writer was from Valparaiso, Indiana (Valpo). I believe the Tribune tries to publish letters from the provinces as a way of keeping its market broad. Wonder what Sam Zell, the owner, who is no fool, would have to say about that letter.
How about people who blubber and rub their eyes during the national anthem? Or sneeze? Can't they wait til after?
Nobody really sings along in this country anyway,
The women's eight rowing medal ceremony was pretty cool. At the start a few were mouthing/whispering the words to the national anthem, more joined in, by the end the whole team was singing.
"During one relay medal ceremony, Phelps and Ryan Lochte were talking and laughing. I couldn't believe their blatant disrespect for America, the country they are representing."
Right. Real Americans would have been text messaging.
"During one relay medal ceremony, Phelps and Ryan Lochte were talking and laughing. I couldn't believe their blatant disrespect for America, the country they are representing."
Right. Real Americans would have been text messaging.
Nobody really sings along in this country anyway, from my experiences. With a few noted exceptions it's always some artist doing there worst with it and thinking they're really being great. The only crowd participation is the cheering near the end. I like one of our local meets where the diector says everyone will sing it together...normally; not one person jazzing it up. (No reference to Jazz Hands). I say leave the boys alone.
The women's eight rowing medal ceremony was pretty cool. At the start a few were mouthing/whispering the words to the national anthem, more joined in, by the end the whole team was singing.
I thought that was cute - when the entire team was belting it out - I got goosebumps, they were having so much fun!
As for Phelpsie... some athletes sing their anthem, some don't. Do you think it's a macho thing? But, the 400 IM anthem was screwed up... big time - the beginning seemed to be cut off, it repeated, and then ended early. I would probably giggle too.
When the National Anthem is played, it is a time to remember those that lost their lives fighting to protect what America stands for.
In your opinion. Perhaps not Michaels. I'd say there's a good chance that thought never even crossed his mind.
In your opinion. Perhaps not Michaels. I'd say there's a good chance that thought never even crossed his mind.
Yes, it is my opinion, and it is your opinion that it most likely did not cross his mind. It could have. My point was simply to say that I can understand why others may have had a problem with his cutting up.
Phelps represented the country well. I have no complaints.
