Dear America

Dear America,
For the love of Christ, please understand the magnitude of playing of your Star Spangled Banner at any Olympic competition. Did she cry? Fuck yes she cried and so should you. When a representative of your nation takes the time (years) and effort (exhaustion), necessary to be the best in the world in honor of your nation, you'd better fucking cry.
And if you cried when the Saints, Gators, Yankees, or Brock Lesnar won...that's a double fuck you for being so outrageously tunnel visioned to think that this is the best you have.
I know it's hard for most of you. You've grown up hearing the national anthem at 5th and 6th grade basketball games, jr. high wrestling matches, high school performances of "Guys and Dolls," and every other event you can think of at levels higher than these. It's tough to respect a song when it's been completely bastardized. Shit, how do you think the Catholics feel every time they saunter through an "Our Father?!"
Know what it means, kids. Know what Francis Scott key was looking at and had to look forward to before you break into a "O say can you see?" on a whim. And if you blaspheme the efforts of an athlete that is competing in your name one more time....Canada may be the best option for you.
Hats off to the readers who are veterans of the armed services. My argument for you is very similar in nature and with a different level of respect, but requires a more well thought out approach. ?You have all my respect and I'll get to you all soon, I'm sure.

XOXO,
-r