No national anthem at Mavs game

[Kammrath]

I don’t understand the whole patriotism angle with playing the National Anthem before a sports event. None of us petition our employer to play it before the start of a work day. 

THIS.

It is actually crazy to me that we think it appropriate or normal and not totally bizarre to play the national anthem at a random sporting event that does NOT actually represent the country or nation.

BUT on another level, it is not bizarre because it was revealed by Jeff Flake and John McCain that the Department of Defense has been in bed with sports leagues in what is termed "paid patriotism." The military sees sporting events as a way to get its "message" and "mission" into the hearts of everyday Americans.