PodKenneth: The Land of the Free?

“Play Ball!” is what is traditionally exclaimed after another rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at a sporting event. In fact, that’s one of the more neutral things that is asserted; I’ve heard worse. That said, many spectators collect themselves for 60 seconds, although already drunkenly into their third beer to take off their hat and supposedly pay homage to their country. Similarly, consider the most recent political conventions in which politicians from both parties continually ended their speeches with “God Bless America.” They did this because they had to, even if some of them simultaneously believed in it. As such, I suppose we should not be surprised by the disbelief in some circles (although, with little publicity thus far) regarding Dallas Mavericks forward, Josh Howard’s comments (1:38-1:50) regarding the vaunted anthem…