Goshen College Throws Out the National Anthem

From an article on Yahoo! news,...I wonder if this college received Federal funds? More than likely since who doesn't?

Visiting fans who attend a basketball game, or any sporting event, at Goshen College this season may be surprised by the patriotic song they hear over the loudspeakers minutes before tipoff.

The Northern Indiana school has decided to play "America the Beautiful" prior to sporting events instead of the "Star-Spangled Banner" because the lyrics better fit the pacifist ideals of a Mennonite campus whose motto is "Healing the World, Peace by Peace."

Cowboys comment:I think Goshen College should change their sports mascot name to the Goshen College Shit Heads.

Adopting "America the Beautiful" is Goshen president James E. Brenneman's attempt to end a debate over the national anthem that has engulfed his school for almost two years.

Goshen College had never played the national anthem before a sporting event until March 2010 when the school began playing an instrumental version at the urging of Brenneman. In a lengthy statement explaining the change in policy, Brenneman said, "I am committed to retaining the best of what it means to be a Mennonite college, while opening the doors wider to all who share our core values."

Cowboy's comment: Just what are Goshen's core values? Better to live with conflict? Dying for freedom is unacceptable?

The practice of playing the national anthem before games was immediately controversial among the 1,000-person student body, 58 percent of which belong to the Mennonite faith built on pacifism and global citizenship. Complaints from students and alumni eventually caused school officials to put an end to the short-lived ritual of playing the anthem at sporting events in June.

What bothered many at Goshen College about the "Star-Spangled Banner" was imagery from the War of 1812 that Francis Scott Key included. Goshen spokesman Richard R. Aguirre told the Chicago Tribune that lyrics such as "the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air" were "inconsistent to the entire message we were trying to send."

Cowboy's comment: I wonder if the fact that hundreds of thousands of service members gave life and limb to provide an environment where these people can worship freely?

Seeking a compromise that would satisfy both factions at his school, Brenneman considered numerous patriotic songs before announcing last Friday that "America the Beautiful" would be the replacement for the national anthem at Goshen. In a statement released that day, Brenneman
explained his choice by pointing out that it's easily recognizable, it honors the country and it fits with Goshen's core values.

"Though some may or may not agree with the alternative recommended here, I call now on each one of us to move beyond this decision and turn our attention to other important matters before us,"

Brenneman said. "May God help Goshen College become one of the most welcoming places on earth for all who come to our campus."

Brenneman's attempt at compromise may have satisfied some students and alumni, but the decision has sparked protest and derision from many outsiders.

"Goshen College should be banned from NCAA competition until they start playing the National Anthem again," one man tweeted. Wrote another, "Goshen looks horrible. Its a tragedy that my brother is still forced to go to such a prison of a school."

Cowboy's comment: Sorry I had to post this and make some comments. But I have lost too many friends who dedicated their lives to the ideals of this country. It is unfathomable to me that people at a institute of higher learning cannot rationalize playing the National Anthem while being non-violent. I'm all for being non-violent, in fact I prefer to have a life conflict free,.....but I certainly recognize the fact that there is evil in this world and that violence against evil is righteous and most times necessary.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." ~ Edmund Burke

Edmund Burke and His Relevancy Today

The Right Honorable Edmund Burke (born January 12, 1729 and died July 9, 1797) was an Irish statesman who served for many years in the British House of Commons as a member of the Whig party. He was considered one of the finest political and philosophical orators in Britain . He is remembered for his support of the American colonies in the struggle against King George III that led to the American Revolution. Burke founded and published the Annual Register, a political review, and he is thought of as one of the philosophical founder of modern conservatism.

Some of my favorite Burke quotes and how I either interpret them or see relevancy today:

“The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts.” This is almost like Burke is standing among us today and commenting upon the degradation of civil liberties, excess regulations that squash business and anti-constitutional acts committed not only by the Obama Administration but by other by editions of the White House and Congress as well.


“By gnawing through a dike, even a rat may drown a nation.” This explains Burke’s view of the method of destruction of this Nation,…the slow, blow by blow whittling down of this Country’s great institutions, foremost among them the Constitution.


“Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny.” From everything this side of environmental protection laws to gun laws, the People, their pursuit of happiness,……and the recovery of our economy is over burdened by a Federal Government way too large and who grabs too much power in their own interests of self perpetuation.


“Facts are to the mind what food is to the body.” This is a concept that many liberal commentators and legislators just do not understand. We see example after example of this with such notable liars and truth benders, such as Obama himself, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Gibbs the White house Press Secretary, etc., not letting facts get in their way.


“Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond promise, it costs nothing.” When I read this, I see “Hope and Change”. And to copy someone else’s quip,….how’’s that hope and change coming for you?


“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” By far my favorite Burke quote, this serves as a rallying cry to us to stand up and be counted,…at the polls, through legislative contact,..letters to the editors, educating our children,…. and just plain talking to people. Ultimately, this is the founding reason why the Tea Party was created spontaneously across the country.