Hickenlooper 'deceived' by jazz singer's black anthem choice
By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 2, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.
Updated July 2, 2008 at 9:47 p.m.
Darin McGregor © The Rocky
"The city asked Rene Marie to sing the national anthem at yesterday's State of the City event. She agreed to do so, and she deceived us," Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said during a news conference this afternoon on the east steps of the Denver City and County Building.
Jazz singer Rene Marie was invited to sing the National Anthem at Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address today. Instead, Marie sang what is known as the Black National Anthem, sparking outrage among some of the estimated 700 people who attended the ceremony.
- VIDEO: Watch the singing of the anthem (14 minutes into video)
- PROFILE: Jazz singer Rene Marie
- POLL: Was it appropriate to sing the Black National Anthem at the State of the City address in Denver?
- DOCUMENT: Mayor Hickenlooper's statement regarding Rene Marie's performance
- NEW VIDEO: Hickenlooper says he was deceived
- DOCUMENT: Mayor's letter to city employees
- STORY: Friends express support for jazz singer
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper is changing his tune.
Initially, Hickenlooper soft-pedaled the surprise performance of the "Black National Anthem" by a popular jazz singer who had been tapped to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at his annual State of the City address Tuesday.
But by Wednesday, the mayor belted out some harsh words for the chanteuse.
"The city asked Rene Marie to sing the national anthem at (Tuesday's) State of the City event. She agreed to do so. We expected her to sing the national anthem, and she deceived us," the mayor told reporters at a news conference in front of the City and County Building.
"Her actions show a certain lack of understanding for how strongly our community feels about patriotic symbols and traditions, and certainly overshadowed a day of great importance to our city," Hickenlooper said.
Marie's anthem choice immediately triggered public outrage.
Marie sang the first verse of James Weldon Johnson's Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing, also known as the Black National Anthem, but adapted those lyrics to the tune of the The Star-Spangled Banner.
'Artistic expression' cited
After Tuesday's ceremony, Hickenlooper called Marie to "understand what happened." The mayor said Marie told him that her song "was an artistic expression of her love for her country."
But in interviews with the news media, Marie provided a somewhat different explanation.
Marie said she started working on the song about three years ago after she toured Russia and an interviewer referred to her as an American. She said she was "startled" by that reference and felt like she wasn't an American.
"I struggled with why I felt that way when I came back to United States because I love living in this country," she said, adding that she decided to rewrite some of the patriotic songs she learned as a child, both as a creative outlet and to reflect her black heritage.
Menola Upshaw, president of the Denver branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said Marie erred in failing to make the mayor aware of her song choice.
"If she promised to sing the Star-Spangled Banner, she should have," Upshaw said. "I think she knows the difference between Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing and 'O say can you see.'"
Governor: Singer 'disrespectful'
Hickenlooper said he respects an artist's freedom of expression.
"But in a tradition-laden civic ceremony that included a law enforcement color guard presenting our flags and the Pledge of Allegiance — making a personal substitution for the national anthem was not an option. We asked for the Star-Spangled Banner and that's what we expected," he said.
"We will do whatever it takes to ensure that a situation like this never occurs again, even if I have to sing the national anthem myself," Hickenlooper added.
The mayor said it would be "close to impossible" that Marie would be invited to sing at another city function again.
Other elected officials took aim at Marie on Wednesday, too.
On talk radio, Gov. Bill Ritter called her actions "disrespectful."
"I think the problem here is that she was invited to do one thing and she chose to do another, and that's unfortunate for a variety of reasons," Ritter said on the Mike Rosen Show.
"I think it's a fair interpretation to say it's disrespectful," he said.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Littleton, "condemned" Marie — as well as the mayor — "for the national anthem debacle that took place during the State of the City address," according to a press release from Tancredo's office.
"I hope that this is not indicative of the 'state of the city' and the cult of multiculturalism and anti-Americanism does not hold sway over the majority of the people in Denver," Tancredo said. "It's also distressing because it appears to be another aspect of the racial politics plaguing this nation."
City Council President Michael Hancock, the master of ceremonies at Tuesday's event, said he's been the target of hateful e-mails and phone calls just because he introduced Marie. Hancock didn't know the singer and didn't know she was going to perform the black anthem.
"She made a very bad decision," he said. "And unfortunately, the mayor and (myself) and other city council people and other elected officials are bearing the brunt of her very bad and inappropriate decision."
Because of the volume of questions the city is receiving about Marie’s decision, she invited those calling and e-mailing to contact her at 303-520-6705 or rene@renemarie.com.
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July 2, 2008
3:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
MtnMarathoner writes:
One national anthem, sung in English, is enough.
We don't need Irish-American, Italian-American, Polish-American, Mexican-American, Vietnamese-American, British-American, French-American, Honduran-American, Venezuelan-American, etc., anthems.
Ms. Marie might try a little harder to be just an American, as most people living elsewhere in the world would love to be.
July 2, 2008
4:05 p.m.
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Newenergycommie writes:
Why was Italian-American listed second? What have you got against my people? I demand that "Oh Solo Mia" be sung in place of the national anthem.
July 2, 2008
4:09 p.m.
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SteveC writes:
Again I ask, why do we have a "Black" National Anthem? We don't have a Hispanic", "Asian", "European" or whatever else National Anthem. We have ONE National Anthem for ONE country.
July 2, 2008
4:11 p.m.
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7_ogNiOj writes:
Why do we have a national anthem at all? Oh, I forgot, the automatons.
July 2, 2008
4:11 p.m.
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Shadow writes:
Just another example of pis poor managment from Trickenlooper. He should have looked over the schedule of his state of the cirty speach program before going out there. Say like a day prior. Just to double check what was going to happen.
This was no mistake, or misunderstanding by Rene Marie. She was asked to sing the National Anthem. The STAR SPANGLED BANNER. It was not an invite to sing what she wanted to or prefered to sing. It was a blatent attack again on this country and what it stands for. Another well its an interpretation crap.
I feel she owes the city of Denver and its citizens an apology. I know that the STAR SPANGLED BANNER is not an easy song to sing. It has some very high notes and when sung correctly is a profoundly beautiful song. If Rene Marie could not hit these notes then she should have declined to sing. Very few people are capable of truely singing this anthem.
As for the city council and TRICKENLOOPER, they need to do a better job before they give one of their dog and pony shows.
July 2, 2008
4:13 p.m.
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Dick_Tater writes:
Loopy Looper is about as sharp as a wet noodle.
July 2, 2008
4:22 p.m.
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Oroboros writes:
Again, I say that the Ad hominem attacks have no place in public discourse.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem
Our society is becoming more polarized each and every day. The United States I used to love is dying of it.
If you can't post an intelligent comment, don't post at all.
July 2, 2008
4:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
DakotaBronco writes:
The racists abound in Colo. If anyone has the right to their own anthem it is the African Americans. And they should be allowed without negative comments. But I forget, this is white America posting.
July 2, 2008
4:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
ISKIFREELY writes:
This does not portend well for August. I can only imagine the uproar when it is discovered that the homless will be given one-way bus tickets to Portland.
July 2, 2008
4:27 p.m.
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Scott writes:
Now the hisonor (and the other spineless politico Tax Ritter) has stuck his finger in the air to test the political winds, dipped his toe into the current of public opinion and tasted the vinegar of public distaste ... AT LAST he comes out with scathing comments regarding this deceitful !@#$% "singer's" actions at a governmental meeting.
Hisonor (and Tax Ritter) remind me of the Governor in the movie "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas." For those of you that have seen this film, remember the song where the Governor (played by Charles Durning) sang the song "The Side Step"? It perfectly describes what our "illustrious" politicians do. They wait until all of the polls come in and THEN make their "pronouncements" that just so happen to regurgitate what the polls said. Pathetic.
Scott
July 2, 2008
4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
patriotica writes:
When will people in this country decide that they are Americans first above all of the other adjectives that describe the many individuals who make up this land? We all have had experiences both negative and positive based on who we are and how we look. The question is can we get over it and accept our common nationality in order to support democracy? Also, time and place. This was not her one woman show, this was a State of the City Address.
July 2, 2008
4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
HolierThanThou writes:
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing
by James Weldon Johnson
Lift ev'ry voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring.
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise,
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chast'ning rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet,
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might,
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee,
Shadowed beneath thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.
_________________
I vote we use this one instead of all that crap about bombs bursting in air.
With the sole exception of those who were born with a silver spoon and have no family history involving conflict and struggle, it seems to apply to the rest of us Americans.
July 2, 2008
4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Craig writes:
The people have every reason to expect that Rene Marie was acting in good faith when she agreed to perform the national anthem at this civic event. That she didn't was an act of betrayal of what she should have seen as a public trust.
July 2, 2008
4:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
jazzyhali writes:
DakotaBronco, now that's just an ignorant thing to say. Why do African Americans deserve their own anthem over any other race? Other races in this country have dealt with the same issues as African Americans, but this isn't the issue. It's about singing THE National Anthem. A sacred song that should be dear to all American hearts. By placing herself and her beliefs above our Nation, although not illegal, is dispicable.
July 2, 2008
4:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
JSeifert writes:
This is AMERICA we sing the AMERICAN NATIONAL ATHEM not some made up BS. It has nothing to do with race its about a singer that has disrespected our NATIONAL ATHEM. Hickinpooper needs to go and this singer baned from ever singing at city or state events. This is plain ANTI-AMERIAN I do not care what she calls it I call it disrespect to our nation and at this time a disrespect to every man and women that has ever served our nation. I have never been so pee'd about something in this state until now. The City government and the mayor need to go now they showed their disrespect for our state and our nation by not stopping this women from doing this.
July 2, 2008
4:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Too little too late Hickenlooper/Ritter
July 2, 2008
4:43 p.m.
vudumom writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 2, 2008
4:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Diff writes:
If only people would get near as upset about the US government using torture tactics, and chipping away at constitutional rights and freedoms via the patriot act.
If only we thought the same about young men giving their lifes for an unjust and unnessassary war.
If only we held our elected leaders accountable for themselfs (rather than someone they had NO control over) and the promises they make to get elected.
I would fully agree that what she did was wrong but for crying out loud - get over it, and spend this outrage on an issue that REALLY matters, and could make some difference a year from now - is 6 weeks this will be gone form the collective memory!
01-20-2009
"If your not outraged - your not paying enough attention"
July 2, 2008
4:54 p.m.
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me2 writes:
There is no such thing as a Black National Anthem. That is a made up term for this song.
July 2, 2008
4:59 p.m.
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JSeifert writes:
That the problem with you liberals you do not care about our history our national pride just your feel good now BS. I will not get over it this is the last straw in many straws with this state its time to kick these bums out now. They ignore the poeples will, they pass laws we can not review or vote on now this. I am so sick of you liberal/socialist BS go live in cuba or Iran leave our state and country to AMERICANS who have pride in our nation and our National ATHEM. If you think this is just a song you need to leave now because you do not deserve to live in this wonderful nation you do not respect it, you do not love it. You are a cancer on this nation that needs burned out.
July 2, 2008
5:03 p.m.
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T1anda writes:
Oh, go soak your head Hoakier than thou!! It might bring down the swelling!!!
July 2, 2008
5:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
Nico writes:
Once again, people with 'color' think they can get away with anything they want. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Color has no distinction. The people of this great state that make fun of the Mayor's name, just because they can, should be ashamed of themselves. To deceive is wrong. To ridicule is also wrong.
July 2, 2008
5:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Oroboros writes:
For those who do not understand the difference between patriotism and nationalism, please read this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larisa-...
July 2, 2008
5:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
rickg19611 writes:
Chickenlooper deserves the condemnation that 93% of the nation is giving him over his latest blunder.
He was an idiot that hired Democrat morons to run his office, and then they hired leftwing bigots to sing.
Only morons are stupid enough to defend the braindead actions of the "singer" and Chickenlooper. That's why they make up less than 7% of the population.
July 2, 2008
5:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
kotamax writes:
Amen to Jazzyhali's retort to Dakota Bronco regarding his or her really stupid comment.
July 2, 2008
5:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
richardyd writes:
and I suppose this had nothing whatever to do with Obama and Co coming to Denver in August?? Obama has set the anti-traditional America tone, his "cheerleaders" (TV nerdworks, Far Left liberals, Chickenlooper and el Gov etc, etc) will probably get him elected.
By the time he's out of office our country will be irreparably wounded. Maybe no foreign wars, just the internal collapse of our society, due to lack of respect, no love of God or country, and thumbing your nose at any and all rules. Go ahead all you unpatriotic hate-America Liberals, have fun, it's open season now courtesy of our probable next President.
July 2, 2008
5:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
BenJefferson writes:
Well at least we didn't hire Roseanne Barr.
If she was to be paid for this, she shouldn't.
Finally, I think all events opened by the National Anthem, should be a recording of Whitney Houston's rendition at the Superbowl several years back. I have never heard our anthem sang more beautifully than I did that day.
July 2, 2008
5:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Not so sure Obama will make it to the white house.
My demo friends who were pro-Clinton moved to McCain when H.C. dropped out.
July 2, 2008
5:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Vector049 writes:
Girl Friend's stunt cost Senator Obama my vote.
July 2, 2008
5:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
WestminsterJ writes:
Un-be-lieve-able, all the right-wing nuts calling for Mayor Hickenlooper's head. What was he supposed to do, waterboard her beforehand to make sure she did what she committed to do? It's her fault, not his.
And these are the same dimwits that let Bush off the hook for going on a 6 week vacation in Aug. 2001 after receiving a memo that Bin Laden was going to attack the US. Idiots.
July 2, 2008
6:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
gunnertwenty writes:
What is a a black national anthem? Do the blacks have a nation? If so then I can understand a national anthem for them. However, this country is not a black country. It's a mixture of races and we have just one National Anthem. Marie did a disservice to herself and us. I hope she was not paid for this disgusting act. If she wants to butcher a nation's anthem. she can go elsewhere. I hope she is never invited to any government sponsered event again. Perhaps she could be sued for non-performance.
July 2, 2008
6:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
WestminsterJ writes:
rickg19611- On his worst day Hickenlooper is a genius compared to you, judging by your posts.
July 2, 2008
6:18 p.m.
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hinona writes:
The bottom line is "AMERICA, LUV IT OR LEAVE IT "
Be an American, first and foremost... That's it..
July 2, 2008
6:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thetrainer090 writes:
Call me stupid, but what is the "black" national anthem? Never heard of it and I am from DC
July 2, 2008
6:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
rickg19611 writes:
Westminster.... no wonder your kind only represents 7% of America. There is a reason that 93% consider the actions of the dingbat singer and Chickenlooper to be disgraceful.
Keep defending such scumbags... it helps to show the other 93% of Americans with higher IQs that your other positions are just as warped and extremist.
July 2, 2008
7:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Hick got what he deserved.
He plays into minority BS all the time and it finally bit him (and Obama) in the as$.
July 2, 2008
7:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
squeakywheel writes:
What next Hickenlooper?
"This is not the Rene Marie I once knew!"?
Puleez
July 2, 2008
7:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
raoul writes:
From Gene:
Warning to Mayor;
If you see a 10-story high wooden horse being rolled into the Pepsi Center, it may be full of trouble.
Priceless!
July 2, 2008
7:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
rray writes:
Hopefully everyone saw that here email address is published in this and other articles. rene@renemarie.com
If you go to her site you can get info on the clubs she plays. Might be a good idea to let them know if you won't be going to their business... and why.
This IS America and there are no black/white/green/blue/yellow versions or our National Song.
July 2, 2008
7:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
Hmmmm...
Here is your diversity in action!
Nuff Said!
July 2, 2008
8:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
joeblow writes:
"Here is your diversity in action!" Gary
Perhaps, deep thinking on your part, Gar. But, as I'm certain you've heard countless times before, just stupid.
And as for Tom Tancredo...he is certainly one who knows the most intimate definition of racial politics and, of course, plaguing the nation.
July 2, 2008
8:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
GodzillaSr writes:
colorado government has always been deceitful towards it's residents and HICKEY wants to whine about a song. time for a new mayor
July 2, 2008
8:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
mmmark217 writes:
Unstable condition
A symptom of life
In mental and environmental change
Atmopheric disturbance
The feverish flux
Of human interface and interchange
The impulse is pure
Sometimes our circuits get shorted
By external interference
Signals get crossed
And the balance distorted
By internal incoherence
A tired mind become a shape shifter
Everybody need a mood lifter
Everybody need reverse polarity
Everybody got mixed feelings
About the function and the form
Everybody got to deviate from the norm
An ounce of perception
A pound of obscure
Process information at half speed
Pause, rewind, replay
Warm memory chip
Random sample hold the one you need
Leave out the fiction
The fact is it's friction
Will only be warn by persistence
Leave out conditions
Courageous convictions
Will drag the dream into existence.
A tired mind become a shape shifter
Everybody need a soft filter
Everybody need reverse polarity
Everybody got mixed feelings
About the function and the form
Everybody got to deviate from the norm
Everybody got mixed feelings
Everybody got mixed feelings
Everybody got to deviate from the norm
Everybody got to deviate from the norm
Everybody got to elevate from the norm
Everybody got to elevate
-Neil Peart
Oh sorry, thought we were having a sing along. But seriously, this song was written about 30 years ago. See if you think it applies any more so now then it did back then.
July 2, 2008
9:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
mtnsrfer writes:
Am I the only one who thought she sounded like a dying mule. Seriously, they couldn't find anyone who could sing?
July 2, 2008
9:25 p.m.
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timeandagain writes:
Hick's spine-less body is flailing in the wind!!
July 2, 2008
9:39 p.m.
hckydood writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 2, 2008
10:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
xeeian writes:
There is only one National Anthem in America:
O beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
O beautiful, for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw;
Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!
O beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
'Til all success be nobleness, and ev'ry gain divine!
O beautiful, for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!
July 2, 2008
10:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
natasha writes:
This woman had her own agenda to push and that's exactly what she did. It is not racist to expect someone to sing the National Anthem when that's what they were asked to do. If she wants to sing whatever she wants she can go do karaoke on her own time. Hick should have stopped her and asked her to step down, not let her finish. I agree with previous posters. If she was supposed to get paid she should not. If she was paid in advance, she should give the money back.
July 2, 2008
10:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
gem writes:
Okay yawn. Do some of you really believe that anyone believes that you were previously going to vote for Obama and now are not. You were never going to vote for him anyway. And you were never going to buy her CD nor do you probably go to clubs where she performs if you have to look them up to find out where they are. Now that Denver has had its 15 mins of fame, I'm bored. peace out.
July 2, 2008
10:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
arby writes:
My, my we are certainly getting violent here. It's a good thing no one knows where each other lives or someone could get hurt.
Rene Marie made a pretty bad mistake and it will cost her plenty. She'll probably have to leave town if she wants to continue to sing jazz. I doubt any club in the metro area will hire her again. KUVO used to promote her a lot. Not a word since Tuesday. So you must learn from your mistakes. Fine with me.
Holier than what?
She was invited to sing a specific song. If you think the other one is better then get up a campaign to change the National Anthem. Good luck! Otherwise open mind before mouth.
July 2, 2008
10:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
MereMortal writes:
Leftist activists must thrust themselves into the center of attention. Denver wants to honor employees? Those employees aren't important. Terrible things are going on and I've got to send a message! This is an opportunity to steal the spotlight for ME, and my cause!
This demonstrates the left's weakness. They have to steal other people's venues to showcase themselves and secondarily, their causes. I thought Obama had moved them all past such silly divisiveness to the new world of hopenchange. The convention is going to be a...riot.
Prediction: Within the next 72 hours, this singer will be compared to Rosa Parks.
July 2, 2008
10:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
MattGuyver_007 writes:
Tomorrow I'm going to wake up and declare myself an artist and let it be so. I'll express myself and sing 'Jailhouse Rock' at the next Chuck E Cheese birthday party because it's all about me and my Artistic feelings.
Why yes, I'll hide behind 'artistic impression' to justify whatever I want to do because I'm simply 'expressing myself', ahhhh.
July 2, 2008
11:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
RooseveltBurney writes:
All of these comments by my fellow Coloradoans are disheartening and I truly thought we had become more tolerant and progressive.
No doubt the mayor and members of the audience were expecting to hear the Star Spangled Banner and Marie switched it up surprisingly. But, I would say that her action was not for personal gain, but she sacrificed her career and reputation for the gain of all Black Americans who are not adequately heard in such forums.
Why is everyone so scared and offended by something DIFFERENT? I thought that's why you're backing Obama. What part of the song disrespects the ugly legacy of the US? Isn't EVERY voice invited to sing?
Most of you that commented never knew that Blacks had a National Anthem. Why are you not in tune to this part of your country?
SING A SONG FULL OF FAITH THAT THE DARK PAST HAS TAUGHT US,
SING A SONG FULL OF HOPE THAT THE PRESENT HAS BROUGHT US
Come on Colorado...We only have 4 more months!!!!
July 2, 2008
11:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
MereMortal writes:
"Isn't EVERY voice invited to sing?"
Yes, at that time every voice was invited to sing the National Anthem. The other song can be sung anytime. The assignment was to sing the National Anthem. Some blacks are misled by activists who want to seperate Americans, not unify them.
July 2, 2008
11:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Huskie writes:
In a court of law, the judge presents Jury Charges to the jurors. Part of those Charges instruct the jurors that if they find any part of a witness's testimony to be less than credible, the jurors can dismiss all of that witness's testimony.
Rene Marie most assuredly knew exactly what she agreed to do and did something contrary to that agreement. She lacks credibility - as does her "testimony" - which is sad, because her message rang true, just at the wrong time and place. The words are beautiful; her timing stank. She wasn't true to her word. What's that old saying about if a man isn't good for his word, he isn't good for anything?
It's not about race or religion or politics. It's about her word.
I like the KISS principle. She agreed; she didn't deliver as promised. She did deceive the mayor and another 300+ million Americans, not including the millions of Americans that have already passed on. Many of those are folks who died in service to our glorious country.
She shamed many; she made a few happy - at the expense of those she shamed. Funny circle there, because those folks that died fighting for freedom might well disagree with me - they might just say that Rene had a right to sing whatever she pleased. I would respectfully disagree, but ...
It kind of reminds me of the arguments over whether the US flag could be worn on clothing. We don't give that much thought anymore, do we? We kind of settled on if the flag is worn with respect, it's okay. If not, it's not okay. Well, what Rene did is not okay.
rray and Denverbusinessman hit the nail squarely - talk with your vote re the politicians and talk with your wallet re the Rene Maries who don't deliver as promised. Now, that's talkin'!
July 2, 2008
11:58 p.m.
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olsonmt writes:
Blacks (and too a much lesser extent other minorities) and guilt-riddled whites often cry racism. I'm not sure I've ever seen it. Maybe that's because I'm white, but I do have some anecdotes/questions I would like to offer up. I would appreciate some serious and enlightening comments. I've walked into a store and got crappy service and a glaring look. If I'm white does that mean the woman was just nasty? If I'm black do I think she's being nasty because she's racist? I've had bad bosses, bad coworkers, etc. I'm white so I figure they were just unpleasant people that are hard to work with. If I'm black do I think their racist? You get the idea. Unless somebody tells you they are racist (or uses some key verbage) aren't you simply assuming something that may or may not be true? When you are so conscious of your race wouldn't it be possible to pass off all rude or improper behavior as racist? I am glad I am too young to have seen things before the civil rights movement. That way I think I can see things more for how they are vs. how they were. I think the real issue today, and always, is that America is a class-ist society. Rich vs. poor. Educated vs. uneducated. Jock vs. nerd. Etc. So not only do I think that Rene Marie's actions were improper, I think the message was dated.
July 3, 2008
12:36 a.m.
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GameCocks writes:
Ok first off this comment goes to DakotaBronco. If anyone deserves to have an anthem its the african american!! What are you kidding me. That has got to be one of the most ignorant comments I have ever read. The woman was asked to sing the national anthem not something else. So Dakota let me ask this question to you if the African Americans as you say deserve a national anthem all of there own then how about the Native Americans? All things considered they owned all of the land before it was taken from them. Or how about those that are Jewish American since alot of those that are jewish had family that where in concentration camps. Do you see where this could go? Just in case you didnt remember this is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the NATIONAL ANTHEM IS '' THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER'' . And before you make a statement like the one you made you need to realize that this is America made of of people of all different color.creed,religeon,sex. Thats whats makes living here so wonderful you have freedoms. And if you dont like it then put your butt on a plane and go somewhere else. And in closing this is ONE NATION UNDER GOD WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. And to those who have served or are serving in the ARMED FORCES LET ME SAY THIS....... THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID AND FOR WHAT YOU DO.
GOD BLESS ALL AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!
July 3, 2008
12:49 a.m.
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WestminsterJ writes:
Hckydood- So you served in "intelligence" for 4 years- no wonder this country is so f***ed.
You don't even know the difference between an intelligence memo and a "threat". Pretty sad.
July 3, 2008
12:57 a.m.
GERMAN writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 3, 2008
1:45 a.m.
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Colorado127 writes:
I'm sure Marie's 'mistake' has something to do with gay people causing the inevitable decline of morals and family values in the good old US of A. BLAME THE GAYS!!!!!
July 3, 2008
1:50 a.m.
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mikeyg writes:
Rene Marie article in RMN, 1/12/08:
"They also know about her penchant for risk - for defying authoritarian club owners, for liberating standard tunes from their ancient cocoons, for launching her socially provocative originals, with scant rehearsal, in packed concert halls."
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
So Hick & Co. are trying to put out that they had no idea she would do her own "socially provocative" rendition of the U.S. National Anthem? My rear end. Don't be duped folks by their non-apology apologies. This is the modern liberal, Democratic party, Hick, Obama, all of them. They'll urinate on you and tell you it's raining.
Obama, Hick, all of them represent a cleverly repackaged radical liberalism, a liberalism that wants to reinvent this nation in their image, their socialist idea of utopia, casting off all of the traditions and values that have made her great. Now Hick, Hancock, all of them claim to have been "duped" when Marie's track record, her notoriety is for doing just what she did two days ago. Hah!
Her pulling that stunt was as predictable as child molestation from a convicted sex offender who gets a job as a little league coach. She never should have been there in the first place. That was solely Hickenlooper's responsibility, so his anger is misplaced; it is a diversion from his own culpability.
July 3, 2008
2:08 a.m.
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DJ writes:
Why are you right-wing zealots so judgmental? It must be a challenge for you to articulate your thoughts and control your emotions; for your posts are full of nasty personal attacks against people you don’t know. You’d be taken seriously if you used spell-check before you post your comments and didn't use expletives.
Are we capable of staying on-point? Some posts are dragging the mayor and the governor and every other Democrat who has ever looked at Colorado on a map into the blame bag. It was nobody’s fault except the young woman’s. We are all responsible for our own actions. She knew what she was doing and, more importantly why she was doing it. No, I’m not okay with it. But not because she’s black and I’m white and the moon is made of green cheese. I think it’s wrong because she didn’t abide by her word. She obviously had her reasons. It’ll be interesting to see if she speaks on them over the coming weeks and months.
The Star-Spangled Banner is more appropriate than any of the other choices because it doesn’t invoke anybody’s idea of a creator. It celebrates the things we know that happened and how happy we are that they happened.
The Pledge of Allegiance was NOT written with the phrase “under God.” In the early 1950s The Knights of Columbus pushed Congress to add those words to the pledge as well as the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” to our money. These acts are an affront to religious freedom. Yes, freedom of religion DOES include freedom from religion. Most people are atheists by definition because there are many Gods they don’t believe in that someone else does believe in.
My words may inspire you to tap out another error-ridden tirade but save it. Use your energy on something worth while… like making friends with a dictionary.
Your hateful words make me love this country even more. I don’t know of another country where an exchange of opinions like this can take place without government interference.
July 3, 2008
2:32 a.m.
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TroubledOne writes:
Hickenlooper was just trying to get in good with the Obama crowd so people would think he is down with the hood. Instead he got kicked in the nads by the people he was trying to impress. DOH!!!
July 3, 2008
9:56 a.m.
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dirty writes:
olsonmt,
You are 100% right. For some crazy reason I did a "ride-along" with a cop a couple of years back. The cop was pulling traffic at a particular stop sign near a school where there had been a number of accidents caused by folks not stopping.
The cop stopped some whites, some african-americans and some hispanics. Everyone of the african-americans and the hispanics made some sort of comment to the fact "You only pulled me over 'cos I'm black/brown"...
July 3, 2008
10:32 a.m.
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DTrain76 writes:
I believe the comment about how Hickenlooper got what he deserved was right on. He should have been more careful in the hiring process. In a situation where you NEED something to be done exactly the way you want it you shouldn't hire someone with a political agenda of her own. Without knowing her I can tell she's a political activist. Yes, he has every right to say what he said, and she does deserve to get blacklisted for her performance. I expect that she got what she wanted from the performance, and I also think she expected repercussions.
As an artist myself, every artist knows the difference between artistic expression and changing the lyrics to a song (completely different). Normally, if you would like to change any thing about a song it would have to be approved by the employer.
July 3, 2008
2:22 p.m.
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tinyinkling writes:
Oh good grief, people!
The US did just fine for 100 years without any specific song to summarize our heritage. And then dozens competed for the honor. We picked one song out of all those to summarize our healing after the civil war. Maybe after another 100 years it is time to expand our heads and think about our identity now. We're certainly more multi-cultural. More people are involved in our country. Our country has it's warrior moments, but in general we don't think of ourselves that way. So just maybe we can have some words in there about singing together, and some words about how beautiful the land is we live in, and some words about participating in a democracy, and some words about loving your fellow man.
Also, if you ask a singer who's become known for a very special variant on a song to do that song it's only right that they assume you asked for the variant. It's too bad Hickenlooper and Ritter have gotten tangled up in Tancredo's parade of jingoism. One can only hope they come to their senses.