The anthem shuffle
Self-indulgent deception detracts from Denver's day
Rocky Mountain News
Published July 3, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated July 3, 2008 at 6:54 p.m.
Jazz singer Rene Marie has offered two explanations for her decision Tuesday to croon Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing, aka the "black national anthem," at Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address.
One explanation suggests remarkable naivete. The other is more disturbing.
"I don't think it is necessary for an artist to ask permission to express themselves artistically," Marie told the Rocky.
"You have to risk things," she added. "You have to. Otherwise, you might as well live your life by a script."
This is a complete misunderstanding of an artist's role at a public event of this sort. Marie was not in a jazz club, where improvisation and the unexpected might be prized. She was not painting a canvas to sell in a gallery. She was fulfilling an obligation that she'd voluntarily accepted. And she went back on her word. "She deceived us," Hickenlooper bluntly declared the following day.
Marie's other explanation, offered to The Denver Post, was that she could not sing the national anthem because, as an African-American, she doesn't "feel like an American." Indeed, she feels like a foreigner in her own land, she said.
"I pulled a switcheroonie on them," she declared with apparent pride.
So she proceeded with an assignment under false pretenses? If that's the case, this chanteuse could use a midlife refresher course in ethics. She might also seek a few minutes of face time with Barack Obama when he arrives in Denver next month for the Democratic National Convention. She should ask for his reaction to the idea that the national anthem is of no relevance to blacks. We have a feeling his dissent would be vociferous.
Hickenlooper also said he was "disappointed that this matter has been a distraction from the great work and significant accomplishments of our city employees over the past year and the many important initiatives on tap for the coming year." We don't want those accomplishments and initiatives to be overlooked either. As the mayor noted, the city has made progress in public safety, education (including providing an unprecedented level of college scholarship money to high school graduates), infrastructure (the mayor giddily proposed "delivering more than 500 projects in five years" and filling potholes within 24 hours of a 3-1-1 call), and such environmental issues as recycling - to cite only some of the topics he mentioned.
More broadly, the mayor is also correct in noting the can-do sense of optimism that pervades the city - and to a considerable extent the entire state - even in a time of general economic malaise. In invoking the memory of the Democratic convention in Denver in 1908, he rightly suggested there is reason to believe that even the current problems will soon be overcome.
"Leading up to that convention," the mayor said, "the nation's circumstances then were hauntingly familiar. In 1908, the national economy was in the midst of troubled times. The Panic of 1907 had rattled the nation; half the banks in Denver and many other Western cities had failed as a result of the long-running silver crisis. In 2008, the mortgage crisis has created one of the greatest reductions in wealth in our nation's history. . . . As the price of gasoline climbs above $4 a gallon, many of our neighbors are caught in the vice of rising prices just as their savings collapse."
The Panic of 1907 didn't stop civic leaders of the time from helping to lay the foundation for what eventually would become the Denver of today - a city of vastly more wealth and opportunity, as well as greater variety of commercial, cultural and educational assets, than its predecessor of a century ago. The mayor believes that similar resolve today on the part of civic leaders will likewise benefit our own descendants in the next century. It's a heady vision, but one that's undoubtedly right.
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July 3, 2008
7:26 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
"Marie's other explanation, offered to The Denver Post, was that she could not sing the national anthem because, as an African-American, she doesn't "feel like an American." Indeed, she feels like a foreigner in her own land, she said."
They should have knocked her butt of the satge after the second verse, then found a PROUD AMERICAN to sing the NATIONAL ANTHEM. What a moron!
July 3, 2008
7:31 a.m.
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RS writes:
Sounds like the same attitude Michelle Obama expressed....
July 3, 2008
8:05 a.m.
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Fisherman writes:
Rene', I think your stock just went up. I'm sure you'll be invited to sing the Black National Anthem at the DNC convention. You go, girl.
July 3, 2008
8:07 a.m.
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jacka writes:
Hey Hickenlooper and Union City Hall - maybe next year you can have someone sing Solidarity Forever, Come and Join the Union or Comrade Fettler.
July 3, 2008
8:09 a.m.
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RS writes:
Froward69 -
Neither candidate is an exciting choice, but we do have a true choice between a moderate and a Leftist extremist. It will be interesting to see the choice our country makes. I can see advantages to an Obama presidency, but probably not the same ones his supporters believe he will provide.
July 3, 2008
8:22 a.m.
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Coco writes:
The title of the editorial says it all: "self indulgent". We are living in the "in-your-face" age. Flip through the channels on TV, check out the endless message t-shirts. It appears we have forgotten or never learned manners. It makes me shudder to think of the lessons current youngsters are learning under such tutelage; imagine the barbarians they will grow up to be. A sad commentary on the decline of western civilization.
July 3, 2008
8:34 a.m.
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LordOfQA writes:
Remember the noise made when Jose Feliciano sang the anthem in a non-trational style at a baseball game years ago? How about Roseanne Barrs interpretation? As I recall there were was a great deal of consternation after their performances; the same as this event. Another commonality was no one turning the mike off or otherwise putting the hook on the performer. I suspect had the "hook" been used cries of censorship would have arisen.
July 3, 2008
9:03 a.m.
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anarchist writes:
Soyuz nerushimiy respublik svobodnykh
Splotila naveki velikaya Rus'!
Da zdravstvuet sozdanniy voley narodov
Velikiy, moguchiy Sovetskiy Soyuz!
My bad,Pelosi/Reid/Obama haven't officially declared this version yet
July 3, 2008
9:48 a.m.
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rjnova writes:
Rene shows a remarkable lack of intellect or lack of education, or asleep in class. She like Michelle and Barrak have the chip on their shoulder and thru some lack of knowledge think their Black Nationalism plays in public opinion. They are remarkably wrong. This is America not Africa.
All 3 have been the beneficiaries of the best this country can offer and are simply ingrates. I think there should be a standing invitation for anyone that hates this country to have airfare paid to any other country that will have them---Africa, Mid-East, Europe, antwhere. We will all be better off without them.
July 3, 2008
9:58 a.m.
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cs writes:
Mayor Hick was a wimp about this. Instead of calmly listening to her explanation of her "artistic choice" he should have given her a tongue lashing on why it was not her right to change the anthem to fit her need. The mike should have been cut and the audience should have had more of a reaction on the spot, instead of politely letting her finish, standing there confused and shocked. Her lack of respect for our anthem is inexcusable! If the blacks NEED an anthem at least they could've written their own music. She says she doesn't feel like an American in this country----let her go live in some other country. We don't need "Americans" like her. NO ONE has a right to substitute the lyrics to our anthem. Respect for the traditions and culture of this country are slowly being flushed down the toilet.
July 3, 2008
10:01 a.m.
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jackwoehr writes:
Rene's a musical artist who did a good job on making an artistic statement.
What makes you philistines think your knee-jerk judgements on the political content of same is anything more than the roaring and grunting of a frenzied mob?
July 3, 2008
10:25 a.m.
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Woogford writes:
This was not the place for her to make an "artistic" statement. I said this before, and I'll say it again. Let's say an artist is asked to make an American flag to hang in the Statehouse. The artist decides to make an "artistic" statement and replaces the stars with moons, and makes the rest of the flag plaid. This is no longer an American flag and the artist did not deliver what was promised. What if you asked a photographer to take a picture of your family and as an "artistic" statement they photographed someone elses family (say of another ethnicity) as a statement of how they feel being who they are. Would you pay the photographer anyway saying that they have a right to express their views because of the First Amendment?
Love your country, be wary of your government, be it Democrats or Republicans.
July 3, 2008
10:33 a.m.
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Monica030 writes:
The traditional singing of the National Anthem is not the time/place for this lady to make an 'artistic statement' as you call it (I call it blatant disrespect for the people who invited her there to sing a specific song).
If she wants to make an artistic statement, she should have a concert in which people WANT to hear her 'artistic statements', and are not expecting to hear our Anthem.
If she didn't want to sing our REAL Anthem, she should have canceled, instead of saying "No fair! I don't wanna sing that I wanna sing my own song!" like a child.
July 3, 2008
10:34 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
You clowns that want to make this a democrat or republican bashing blog why don't stay on the subject or go start a new subject. This is about an idiot women that took it upon her self to do something totally stupid and disrespectful. It was nobodies fault except hers. Geez you people show how dumb you are sometimes.
July 3, 2008
10:43 a.m.
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cs writes:
jackwoehr---Plain and simple. She WASN"T ASKED to sing the black national anthem, she was asked to sing the anthem of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. What don't you get about that???
July 3, 2008
11:39 a.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
Let's face it.....if a black woman was hired to sing the National Anthem......what is a black president going to do after we hire him????????
July 3, 2008
11:49 a.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
Oh! The plight of the african-Americans! There would be no "plight" if they were American-Africans! I am American (Indegenous) Indian, my people have fought in every war...including the one to free blacks! Yet they disgrace our country? HOW DARE THEY! They want to Aficans....got to Africa...and be one!
July 3, 2008
11:55 a.m.
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redcliff writes:
"Artistic statement" sounds like an extreme version of a thinly veiled excuse for self promotion to me. I'm a multimedia artist & my husband is a long time LA & NYC professional musician. Neither of us would ever try to do such a disgraceful & disrespectful act as this. She should be ashamed of herself. She knew exactly what she was doing.
July 3, 2008
noon
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moedoeIV4 writes:
Well...the transparencies= blind eyes! There are only 2.5 million Americans Indians in this Great Country....and 11 or 12 million ilegals.....and accountd blacks? My Country which I LOVE...seems to infiltrated from within! I will vote for a Viet Nam vet because I am one also. The apparent lies and (flip-flops) of a presidential hopeful are reflected by Jazz!
July 3, 2008
12:13 p.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
I swore an oath...to defend this country from all enemies foriegn and domestic....where should my concerns be now???? Spanish as the national language? An "anthem" that isn't the Star Spangled Banner?
I STAND fo America! Not for those who use it for thier own egotistical gains! Jazz...if you want to sing that song...feel free to do it at Juneteenth!
July 3, 2008
12:19 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
moedoeIV4
I also am a Vietnam vet. And will do the right thing and vote for the guy I feel is most qualified to do the job. I will not make my decision on the following:
1. What party he belongs to.
2. What color of skin he has.
3. If he fought in a war or was in the military.
4. What religion he belongs to or did.
5. What some clown said that he once had for a pastor.
Now above was just a few that came off the top of my head and there may be more. But if anyone votes for any of the reasons that is listed,GOD HELP US ALL. We will never get this country moving in the right direction. Oh and before you all start calling me a liberal and assuming that I'm voting for Obama you are worse then I thought.
July 3, 2008
12:20 p.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
Of course that's just my opinion....I maybe right! My phone # is NOT: fi fi fi- fo fo fo fo, either!
July 3, 2008
12:24 p.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
I can never tell another man what to do! I can form my own opinions, and don't ever assume the intellect and honor of another man!
July 3, 2008
12:25 p.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
Here are the original words to the tune:
Text of The Anacreontic Song
I.
To Anacreon in Heav'n,
Where he sat in full glee,
A few Sons of Harmony
Sent a petition
That he their Inspirer
And Patron would be;
When this answer arrived
From the Jolly Old Grecian:
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute,
No longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name
And inspire you to boot,
Chorus
And besides I'll instruct you,
Like me, to intwine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus' Vine."
II.
The news through Olympus
Immediately flew;
When Old Thunder pretended
To give himself airs.
"If these Mortals are suffered
Their scheme to pursue,
The devil a Goddess,
Will stay above stairs.
Hark, already they cry,
In transports of joy,
'Away to the Sons
Of Anacreon we'll fly,
Chorus
And there with good fellows,
We'll learn to intwine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus' Vine.'
III.
The Yellow-Haired God
And his nine fusty Maids
From Helicon's banks
Will incontinent flee,
Idalia will boast
But of tenantless shades,
And the bi-forked hill
A mere desert will be.
My Thunder no fear on't,
Shall soon do its errand,
And dam'me I'll swing
The Ringleaders I warrant.
Chorus
I'll trim the young dogs,
For thus daring to twine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus' Vine."
IV.
Apollo rose up,
And said, "Pry'thee ne'er quarrel,
Good King of the Gods,
With My Vot'ries below:
Your Thunder is useless"--
Then showing his laurel,
Cry'd "Sic evitabile
Fulmen, you know!
Then over each head,
My laurels I'll spread,
So my sons from your Crackers
No mischief shall dread,
Chorus
While, snug in their clubroom,
They jovially twine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus' Vine."
V.
Next Momus got up
With his risible Phiz
And swore with Apollo
He'd cheerfully join --
"The full tide of Harmony
Still shall be his,
But the Song, and the Catch,
And the Laugh shall be mine.
Then, Jove, be not jealous
Of these honest fellows."
Cry'd Jove, "We relent,
Since the truth you now tell us:
Chorus
And swear by Old Styx,
That they long shall intwine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus' Vine."
VI.
Ye Sons of Anacreon,
Then join hand in hand;
Preserve Unanimity,
Friendship, and Love!
'Tis yours to support
What's so happily plann'd;
You've the sanction of Gods,
And the Fiat of Jove.
While thus we agree,
Our toast let it be:
"May our Club flourish Happy,
United, and Free!
Chorus
And long may the Sons
Of Anacreon intwine
The Myrtle of Venus
With Bacchus' Vine."
July 3, 2008
12:28 p.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
dilligaf......too funny.(I know those initials) !
July 3, 2008
12:32 p.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
Holier: I don't care of the words! It's not The Star Spangled Banner!
July 3, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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moedoeIV4 writes:
I will not allow a seemingly simple minded non-American to destroy my celebration of this Nation's greatest achievement! As Americans, please have a happy and safe 4th!
July 3, 2008
12:55 p.m.
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TC writes:
moedoeIV4
Don't think there's anything left to say after that.
Everybody have a Great 4th!
July 3, 2008
1:50 p.m.
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arby writes:
I think the former Mayor of Denver would have ripped the mike out of her hand and sent her off the stage in disgrace. I hope he has contacted Rene and told her what a disgraceful thing she has done and how she has set back his efforts toward integration and racial unity. What a dumb unthinking stunt she pulled. I imagine her career in Denver is washed up. The stand in is playing Dinnah Washington. So adios Ms.Marie. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
BTW Ms. Marie who was regularly touted by KUVO 89.30 Denver's great jazz station is gone. She doesn't exist anymore.
July 3, 2008
2:06 p.m.
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arby writes:
Holier than what
Who cares what the original words were? We all know the Star Spangled Banner and we can all sing the 1st verse badly.
Maybe that's why it was originally a drinking song. Because it is so hard to sing and if you are drunk it sounds OK to you and your friends. A thought.
July 3, 2008
5:47 p.m.
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daRock writes:
She does not care! Of course it was planned. She has never had this much publicity in her LIVE and could never buy it. She is grinning from ear to ear. Sadly her self-promotion hurt a lot of people. There are militant blacks saying "yeah, you GO girl" yet others are ashamed of her. This was NOT about her.
I gotta admit I think Rosanne Barr was just as bad.
Guess every event should just stick to Jake Schroeder or the 10 yr old.
July 3, 2008
11:10 p.m.
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Cliffjumper writes:
Trash from a piece of trash, listened to and aplauded by trash for American tradition trashing purposes. Just Trash.
July 4, 2008
12:56 a.m.
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Creative_N_Denver writes:
Are we not thankful for the right to speak our views without fear of retribution from our government? All we have done here is give this person another 5 minutes in the media. If we drop it and express our thoughts only to the people who actually pay these reporters and blog writers, maybe they will write about something more news worthy. What a waste of good space!
July 4, 2008
5:38 a.m.
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me2 writes:
Boy you folks are sure worked up over little stuff. Hate to see you all if something important happened.
July 4, 2008
12:44 p.m.
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arby writes:
hakj
Well said. My sentiments exactly.
July 4, 2008
7:40 p.m.
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Darwin writes:
You're right hakj. Interesting observation that the hyphenated Americans are always noted first by their country of origin (though most have never been to Africa, Mexico, Europe, etc.). One must assume that is where their allegiance lies also. For most, one month back in the "home land" would have them clamoring to return to America.
July 4, 2008
8:56 p.m.
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SunflowerM4 writes:
The National Anthem is a song for EVERY person in America. No matter how much Ms. Marie justifies her actions, she was, is and always will be wrong. Mayor Hickenlooper showed her respect by inviting her to sing and she showed her lack of respect for him and his office.
Mayor John Hickenlooper is a good and fair man who gives everyone an opportunity to shine. He gave Ms. Marie an opportunity that other singers wish he would have given them, she betrayed that trust. Her actions may hurt other singer's chances to sing at political gatherings because she wanted to be treated like an artist. There are times when a singer can show their artistic ability and sing their favorite song. Then there are times the singer sings the song that they agreed to sing with all the artistic ability they have to make EVERYONE feel the song in their soul - that is being a true artist.
July 5, 2008
2:26 a.m.
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arby writes:
When I was working abroad there weren't all that many Americans in my field. But every once in awhile I'd run into one from a different occupation. If they introduced themselves as a hypenated American then the person they were meeting assumed they were immigrants from another country. Some if they knew the language of the other country would start speaking it. The hyphenated dunderhead just had to stand there looking stupid because he only knew English. Most African-Americans have never left the USA and don't even know what country their ancestors are from. Nor do they speak any other language. Also a lot including Jerimah White have more than a drop of white blood in them. Attitude, attitude, attitude.
July 5, 2008
10:04 a.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
About 36,000 Americans died of the flu last year. Over 12,000 of those could not afford to visit a doctor.
Couldn't the Rocky editors find something better to do than continuing to flog a dead horse. Sing along, you know the tune:
Oh say can you see?
That critter is dead!
And now is the time,
To put this to bed!
July 5, 2008
1:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
cojab writes:
If you are an American and you do NOT love your country... then GET YOUR A_S_S OUT OF THE USA AND STAY FOREVER WHEREVER YOU SLITHER TO!
July 5, 2008
10:36 p.m.
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amycakes writes:
Say NO to Hate in 08!
Vote McCain!
July 6, 2008
10:12 a.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
While you were being distracted by the improved version of our national anthem, the conservatives were dishonoring America in yet another way:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
July 6, 2008
11:08 a.m.
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arby writes:
Holier than what,
I like your new words to the song.
I agree it's time to bury this story and move on.
I quit.
July 6, 2008
6:32 p.m.
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Brad writes:
HolierThanThou
You write that over 12,000 people could not be seen by a doctor that is not true anyone can go to a hospital and be seen if you can pay or not they can not kick you out out it's against the law. For those 24,000 that could be seen by a doctor what happened to them.