Question about riffs you didn't get.

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

as a man in uniform id like to point out the obvious that no there is no national language, this isnt china for gods sake.  People may sing My national athem loud and proud in whatever tongue they prefer it still means the same.  It means long live america end of story.

[MSTJedi]

But as far as the national anthem in Spanish, I feel that is wrong. The national language is English. To me what is being done with immigrants coming in and demanding we adapt to them is the same as if I were to move to Japan or Germany and start demanding everything be adapted for me. You adapt yourself to your new country, not have the country adapt to you.

Actually, Japan is a good example. How much has their culture been shaped into a whole other thing because of America's influence since WWII? How far would you have to go off the beaten path in Japan to find somewhere where absolutely no one spoke English? The U.S. has made quite a habit out of trying to mold other countries to what is seen as the "right" way to do things (our way). I'm not saying we're alone in doing this, though. Numerous countries have done the same and much more forcefully. Much of Eastern Europe and Asia was shaped by Russia. Mexico was shaped by Spain. The U.S. itself was originally shaped by England. It may take a while, but the prevailing culture of a country such as ours that thrives on immigration is bound to change one way or another as different cultures blend with ours over time.

So if someone wants to sing the national anthem in Spanish or Japanese or Arabic, let them. I feel most comfortable speaking in my native tongue and I suppose if they want to take something that is so inherently American and make it their own, then I'm all for it.

[Sharktopus]

as a man in uniform id like to point out the obvious that no there is no national language, this isnt china for gods sake.  People may sing My national athem loud and proud in whatever tongue they prefer it still means the same.  It means long live america end of story.

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

How far would you have to go off the beaten path in Japan to find somewhere where absolutely no one spoke English?

Not all that far, merely ask the american troops. 

[Teaflax]

How far would you have to go off the beaten path in Japan to find somewhere where absolutely no one spoke English?

Not very. It can be done in downtown Tokyo. You can be smack-dab in the middle of the electronics Mecca of Akihabara and have a question about some mildly esoteric item and not find a single person who speaks even the most rudimentary English.

[Rattrap007]

I just feel it is wrong to sing a national anthem in a language other than it was written. I'm not going to go and sing the national anthem of France in English. I think that would be a little offensive to the French. I respect other cultures and feel singing a national anthem in a language other than it was written is wrong. I just believe in the old phrase "When in Rome, do as the romans."

[Teaflax]

I respect other cultures and feel singing a national anthem in a language other than it was written is wrong.

So the Brabançonne, the Belgian national anthem, should only be sung in French, despite the fact that the majority of the Belgian people aren't native French speakers?

Also, The Star-Spangled Banner was translated into Spanish sometime in the 19th Century, so it's not even like this is a brand-new development.

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

[quoteI just feel it is wrong to sing a national anthem in a language other than it was written. ][/quote]

but why?  its a bizaar personal feeling, especially if you cant rationally defend it.

again if they revere this country i dont care what language they sing a song in.  The words dont matter, the meaning does. 

Your example is also kinda irrelevant, we arent supposed to be the same as other countries.  we are supposed to be better ( no offense to the other countries we ought to all strive to be better).  there IS NO national language becuase there is no official nationality. 

[Teaflax]

bizaar

Are you Dutch?

[Sharktopus]

Also, The Star-Spangled Banner was translated into Spanish sometime in the 19th Century, so it's not even like this is a brand-new development.

And the debate comes full circle.

bizaar

Are you Dutch?

No, he's just a notoriously poor speller.

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

you forgot lazy and arrogant. 

[Sharktopus]

bizaar

Are you Dutch?

No, he's just a notoriously poor speller.

you forgot lazy and arrogant. 

[6079SmithW]

Personally, I hate anyone who lives in America and doesn't speak English. They should all go back to whatever country it is they come from.

Especially those damn Navajos. Where do they get off?

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

personally i hate everyone i think we should send them all back to the void

[6079SmithW]

It is clear I was joking, right? I always get panicky about jokes that could come off as virulently racist. There are innumerable personality traits I wouldn't really mind people thinking I have, but for some reason, I couldn't stand it if anyone thought I was racist or intolerant. Those bastards are inhuman, and shouldn't be allowed to live. And their women are all ugly.