more racism

This week has not been to be proud of our fellow Americans because there have been far too many racist insults hurled over and over from various venues and for various reasons.  Apparently some think that they have a special right to define who is American and who is not what kind of behavior is American and what is un-American.  At issue not is last night's All Star Game where singing sensation Marc Anthony sang God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch.  "Why didn't an American sing it?" someone tweeted.  A post on facebook said "Why did they have a Mexican do it?"  Many other post have been far more vile and I cannot even quote them here.

A couple of things first:  the very talented actor and singer, Marco Antonio Muñiz, known professionally as Marc Anthony, was born in New York City, which is part of the United States.  His heritage is Puerto Rican (also part of the United States).  A longtime member of the Democratic party, he performed the National Anthem at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.  Why would anyone suggest that he is Mexican?  Why would anyone suggest he is not American?

 

Marc Anthony sang God Bless America with so much feeling and emotion.  I don't know when I have heard it sung better.  Seriously.  It was wonderful.  All too often celebrities come out and do an awful National Anthem or a terrible version of God Bless America.  That was certainly not the case here!  It was marvelous!

 

I'm not sure why we should object even if the singer was not American.  Could not a foreign national sing God Bless America?  I know many folks who hail from other countries who love the USA and who are proud to be here and to sing our praises.  But, and this is the significant thing, Anthony IS an American.  He was born here and has spent all of his 44 years here.  Saying he is not an American is not only incorrect, but it is rude and another disgusting example of racism.  We need to end this!  NOW!

 

I want to be proud of being an American because I want this to be the country that gets it.  I want this to be the country that accepts everyone and the country that doesn't hate.  Get I get everyone behind this?  Let's do it!  Let's stop the hate!