It's Only 70 Seconds

Originally Published: Nov 13, 2009 9:40 PM CDT

I have listened to, and participated in, the debate that has fueled more than a few arguments this week.  Should OU fans say “?home of the Sooners” at the end of the national anthem?  My answer is, simply, no. 

Fans tailgate for hours before the game, enjoy three to four hours of watching their favorite team and debate for hours why the Sooners won or lost.  We can Boomer and Sooner for 10 hours on game day.  Can’t we take 70 seconds to remember those who protect the freedom that makes it possible for us to tailgate, attend games and argue about the outcomes in the first place?

 One of the purposes of the national anthem is for us to take some time to remind ourselves that some things are bigger than the game we are attending.  Why inject the game back into that reminder?  It defeats the purpose.