Politics

What Happened to the National Anthem at Reid’s Reno Rally With Biden?

Few things are more American than saying the Pledge of Allegiance or singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  It’s certainly not mandatory for a political rally to include one or both.  But, if you do tell the folks attending that it’s time for the national anthem, then you might understand the confusion if they hear something that seems entirely different.

Gateway Pundit notes that a week ago Wednesday, Vice President Biden rolled into Reno to help Harry Reid.  They held a rally at the University of Nevada Reno.  The audience was asked to rise for the singing of the anthem. But what they heard was probably not what they expected.

Native American singer Christina Thomas, a student at the school, shared a Native American message in word and song.  KSFO-AM talk host Barbara Simpson played the audio on her program.  After some set up by Barbara, the key part begins around the 2:20 mark:

I spoke by phone with the young woman who sang the song.  This is Cristina Thomas:

What Happened to the National Anthem at Reids Reno Rally With Biden?

Here is Christina performing earlier this year:

I contacted Thomas on Sunday afternoon, and she promptly called me back.  She was unaware of any controversy over her appearance at the Reid rally.  In her view, this involved miscommunication with the person who introduced her.  Thomas says she has performed at Reid events in the past.  Sometimes she has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Other times she has performed what she describes as a Native American “Flag Song.”

Thomas says that she was contacted by Sen. Reid’s office to perform at the event with Vice President Biden.  She says she was offered a choice of either singing “The Star-Spangled Banner“ or performing the ”Flag Song.”  She choose the “Flag Song.”

Thomas says there are many tribal variations of patriotic anthems and that the version she sings in Northern Paiute has lyrical roots back to a World War II veteran.  She often performs it for veteran’s groups and she does ask people to stand as they do for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  “We feel proud of this country,” she explained.

At the Reid event, she was surprised to hear the emcee introduce her to sing the national anthem.  She says she quickly tried to explain that she was going to sing a different song.  She said some words in Northern Paiute and then sang the Flag Song.

Thomas strikes me as a pleasant and sincere young woman.  She says she is in the process of having “The Star-Spangled Banner” translated into Paiute so that she can perform it that way sometimes.

It does seem to me that if there is any blame here — it probably lies with the Reid campaign.  It doesn’t seem likely that the emcee would wing it with a guess that the singer was going to perform the National Anthem.  This wasn’t “just another” campaign stop.  With Vice President Biden on the bill you would think they would be trying to put forward their A-game.  It is plausible to me that a Reid staffer may have felt that a Native American Flag Song could substitute for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”   Somebody screwed up.

If this story sounds a little familiar…maybe you recall what happened in 2008 at Denver’s “State of the City” ceremony. Before the mayor gave his address, they introduced singer Rene Marie to sing the national anthem.  She then performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,“ a song that is considered by some to be the ”Black National Anthem.”

This did not go over well:

Comments (167)

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  • Tired_of_the_lies
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:43pm

    So…. Isn’t there any real news to discuss. Do you spend all your time sending people to cover every public meeting and then put it through your goodness filter. Sheesh, get a life.

    Hmmm, pass God worship criteria — check
    pass American Patriotism criteria — check
    pass ridiculous tax cutting fairytail – cut taxes because we already have a HUGE deficit, but don’t talk about how or what would have to be cut – A LOT — check

    Come on you guys – you are not robots, start using your brains for once and parse all that fiscal nonsense for what it is – pure electioneering.

    Report Post »  
    • Shackleford
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:52pm

      Seems to me you are grossly misinformed and ought to be spending more time learning what’s going on what what your opponents think than giving your useless opinions.

      Report Post » Shackleford  
    • Jack Rackham
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 10:29am

      First off I would like to commend you for actually reading this site yourself, unfortunately all too often the caricature of conservative ideas is all that one is exposed to. As a former liberal I must warn you that if you continue to seek out conservative ideas with the intention of disproving them you will begin to run up against stumbling blocks. An honest open mind that is looking for “the real story” not just left or right spin will slowly but surely begin to see a pattern of deception on the left. If you have the courage to follow the truth wherever it leads, you will be in for a rough but rewarding journey.

      Report Post » Jack Rackham  
  • Beckster2
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:43pm

    Diversity = death the democratic socialist party hates America and wants to divide it up.

    Report Post »  
  • danlb0y
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:43pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post »  
  • danlb0y
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:42pm

    If what she sang was patriotic then I solute her. It would be nice to know what she said but in true Harry Reid form he doesn‘t give a rat’s %^&^% ..weather the majority of his constituents understand what the song was about. He also didn’t care that his constituents had no idea what was in the health care bill?

    We are talking about Harry Reid here people!

    Report Post »  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:38pm

    HEY NEVADA, This is HR’s parting “bird” to you and America——take him down with your VOTES

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:36pm

    What I like about it is that Reid will be listening to his farewell Anthem next week. There is no substitute for the National Anthem, not ever.

    Report Post »  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:35pm

    passed inspection, WHEW

    Report Post »  
  • Jimmers46
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:35pm

    Let‘s all sing a Hymm for Dingy Harry Him Him F’k Him!

    Report Post »  
  • makom
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:34pm

    But, Why is The Anti-Christ Obama Destroying America. If you truly want to know what is going on; Then you will have to accept these things as the TRUTH. Once you understand the following things; All things will be understood. So I tell you Obama is Satan on Earth, Lawless One, or what ever else you want to call this Demonic Figure. obama, His words describe him, He is a False Hope, If you listen to him you will love him. He carries a Bow without an Arrow. He will conquer all through his speech, his false hoods will capture all who sit and listen to him.
    2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
    11And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

    Report Post »  
    • Tired_of_the_lies
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:03pm

      Wow Makom, what an excellent, rational argument. Well crafted, researched, but from the heart!

      Who could refute the logic of your thesis? Hmmm, perhaps every human being capable of rational thought.

      While you are reflecting on this, it might be a good time to pick up a copy of Fowler’s Modern English Usage. Pay particular attention to the punctuation instructions, and maybe concentrate on the period “.”

      Report Post »  
    • spreadcommonsensenot pc
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 10:51pm

      the “spirit of antichrist”
      Obama is not the antichrist, he HAS the spirit of antichrist because of all his denials…..
      Thess 2: 1-12
      When does he go INTO the jewish temple and “desicrate it”?— especially when the jewish temple HASNT been built yet?……..When has he been “shot” in the head and 3 days he rose?—-
      Where is his “false prophet” who calls lightening from Heaven? Where is there 3 1/2 yrs of peace before the antichrist demands- NO buying or selling w/o the “the mark of the beast”?

      Report Post »  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:34pm

    am I losing my post in the GB “pc dept” or maybe they are sending my “ameriKa the ugly” progressive rendition to “ed hemmrroid” shultz for recording

    Report Post »  
  • NE12012
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:32pm

    I’ve been looking for a pen so I can jam it in my ear! Wow that sucks.

    Report Post » NE12012  
  • hisuelos
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:32pm

    “If GOD is for us, who can be against us?” Perhaps, if we have turned that corner and are heading back to GOD, HE will open those doors for us Tuesday: those who hate AMERICA may leave NOW, and those who LOVE HER, FIGHT FOR HER AND PRAY FOR HER MAY STAY. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT YOU AND YOURS, AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA! VOTE, y’all!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • john w. gault
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:32pm

    You must be kidding. Do these guys have a death wish?????

    Report Post »  
    • Ken
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 10:53am

      Apparently so. Reid may want to find another, smaller than Searchlight, town to move to, because they don’t want him back there when he loses the election!

      Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:31pm

    When you sing the National Anthem, or say the Pledge of Allegiance then you don’t vary to something else. This just shows that the liberals don’t care about this country. What we need to do is start sending out of the country. Love it or Leave it.

    Report Post »  
  • claymoremacm
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:30pm

    Bye Bye Hairy “the loser” Reid

    Report Post » claymoremacm  
  • We Are Not Alone
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:30pm

    VOTE FOR FREEDOM
    MUST SEE:

    WE THE PEOPLE youtube:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAhr4hZDJE

    I AM AMERICA by Krista Branch

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0heL2Czeraw&feature=fvw

    Makes you proud to be an American ♥

    Report Post » Want our country back  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:27pm

    ameriKa full of spacious lies forever ways of the progressives, one world for us bowing down to the
    antichrist, line up you serfs and get your MMMmmmmmmark, ameriKa ameriKa satan has spread his
    crapppppp on each of ussssss, and crown thy good with the Motha’hood from sea to shining seaaaaaaa

    thank, thank very much for the progressive redition of WE HATE GOD AND AMERICA
    I feel dirty Im off to take a shower———

    Report Post »  
  • HillCountryPatriot
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:26pm

    Screw these un-American bastards!!! THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM!!!

    Report Post » Hill Country Patriot  
  • Dirty Harry
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:25pm

    They hate this country.

    Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:35pm

      Ya know, there was a lotta bad drugs back in the 60′s … what else could make these people into MORONS? Oh wait … could it be GOBS OF MONEY? Could it be GREED? Could it be a POWER TRIP? Yeah … something like that. I look at Hairy Reid and all I think about is term limits … as American’s this is an issue we must address! We have to find a solution, people! For all elected and appointed positions (The Supreme Court.) They work for us … or are suppose to …

      Report Post »  
  • timej31
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:24pm

    These are SDS people.

    Report Post » timej31  
  • PeterThePainter
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:24pm

    You would think that the crowd would give it some room and then proceed with the National Anthym. Guess they did not feel it was necessary…..pitiful performance by our Vice President not to have started it.

    Report Post »  
    • Rogue
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 1:21am

      Agreed. I don‘t mind her singing her nation’s anthem, but it should have been followed up with the National Anthem of the USA. I understand they said the pledge of allegiance shortly afterward, but I still don’t find that appropriate as a substitute. Imagine a Hockey game in the USA, where the Candian anthem was sung, then they asked the crowd to say the pledge. Maybe I’m a little over senistive, but when any anthem is sung on American soil, so should our National Anthem.

      Report Post » Rogue  
  • statesrights
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:23pm

    Love how the first video and all the links after it dont work…..Why dont yall want us to see the truth? What are you afraid of?

    ” 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
    8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
    ! John 1: 5-8

    Report Post » statesrights  
  • Venom
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:21pm

    Its simple, if you don’t like America or its traditions then…..GET OUT.

    Report Post » Venom  
    • Konservgrammy
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:28pm

      Yep. Plain and simple.

      Report Post »  
    • extexjb
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:57pm

      America …love it or leave it! NOW! The attitudes of some of these people make me sick to my stomach! Who the he11 do they think they are? UGH!

      Report Post » extexjb  
    • Mary M. Tebbe
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:06pm

      venom: I have three words for these two singers…defiant, impudent, and insolent. We are The United States of America, and our National Anthem is The Star Spangled Banner, and we pledge the American Flag with our Pledge of Allegiance to The United States of America; period. Since Obama took the office of the president I see a continual attempt to transform our country into something that as an American I take great offense to.

      Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
    • CatB
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:58pm

      Exactly … perhaps it was “misplaced” along with Obama saying CREATOR …. change you can believe in? NOT CHANGE WE WANT! Send old HARRY packing … 2010 .. Send Obama back to Chicago 2012!

      Report Post »  
    • dracothedragon
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 11:31pm

      Amen! That is what I have been saying for years. Go back to your country of origin. My brother once said, slavery is the worst thing that ever happened. We would be so much further ahead. This country is being weighed down by a bunch on ungrateful idiots. I am not saying slavey isn’t bad. One needs to study slavery and/or indenture servant as I have for years. There is much the black community doesn’t want the white folks to know about (a black stranger told me that as we discussed slavery for over an hour-he was helping me with my car). Again, if you don’t like it, go back to Africa or whereever you are from. I sure don’t want to go back to the Eastern Block!

      Report Post »  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 1:35am

      If she doesn’t want to be an American or feel like an American that his her choice. Let her find a country she identiifies with. NO ONE HAS IT EASY! How dare she degrade America by saying she doesn’t feel like an American and it feels “bizaare” to be an American… AND yes, she is living the American Dream! She is just blind and refuses to see it. The American dream is the opportunity to succeed. it doesn’t guarantee success. She should try living in a country that is not free and see how she feels then.

      Report Post »  
    • jacobstroubles
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 6:45am

      I sure wish it would be that easy, cause I’d surely like to see “all of them”, just get out. They are damaged goods, and should never be trusted, ever.

      Report Post »  
    • YoungAndReckless
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 3:04pm

      A response for everyone who says “Why didn’t she just sing the National Anthem when it was introduced?”, as if not changing the song at the last minute was un-patriotic. My sister sings the Anthem at many baseball, football, and basketball games in our home town. She also performs songs such as “God Bless America” at the event holder’s request. I asked her if SHE was asked to sing a different song at the very last possible moment, what would be her reaction? She said she would do exactly what this young woman did, which is inform the crowd of the mix up, and perform the song that she HAD BEEN PRACTICING TO SING DAYS BEFOREHAND. I mean put yourselves in this girls shoes (or moccasins, whatever). You’ve been asked to perform a certain song, which is in another language, no less, and you have been practicing it for days in preparation to a large event. Then, when you are being introduced, the emcee announces a different song. People seem to be saying “Yeah she should’ve just winged it”, as if the National Anthem is an EASY song to sing and anyone should just be able to pull it off flawlessly without preparation. If you want someone to blame, blame Reid’s campaign for not TELLING her to sing the Anthem in the first place!

      Report Post »  
  • Silat
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:18pm

    Screw granny Reid.

    Report Post »  
  • glennrocks
    Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:17pm

    If Hairy Reid loses on Tuesday we should hold a huge Tea PARTY!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • danlb0y
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:56pm

      f what she sang was patriotic then I solute her. It would be nice to know what she said but in true Harry Reid form he doesn‘t give a rat’s %^&^% ..weather the majority of his constituents understand what the song was about. He also didn’t care that his constituents had no idea what was in the health care bill?

      We are talking about Harry Reid here people!

      Report Post »  
    • mizflame98
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:01pm

      If she’s sane the National Anthem in the past, why didn’t she just do it when she heard the emcee introduce the National Anthem? It wouldn’t have prevented this controversy.

      Report Post » mizflame98  
    • Seven
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:52pm

      The crowd was filled with sheep. Not a soul there would be able to defend against the wolves when they come. There was no sheperd to protect them. This would be a sign to the predators that these are ready for the slaughter. They would never try this on the patriots of this great nation as they would be quickly spotted and fought to the death if required. We have a good shepard and his name is Jesus(the Lion of the tribe of Judah) and we are his sheep but to others we are formedable men. Try this crap at a Tea Party meeting.
      It is that same old role in crap song they always sing. We are so put upon and the victim. We cannot hate, only others can. We are better than you as only fair skin people can hate except their women who we want so badly.
      We don’t buy what you are selling because we know the truth and it is becoming more widespread every day. God I love America!

      Report Post »  
    • bobby535
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:55pm

      The fact that the national anthem was replaced was wrong, and shameful. But it sounded like this Barbra lady was more upset that this woman was Native American? Maybe I’m wrong and taking it the wrong way, but she spent more time talking about her Native American status than the anthem being replaced.

      Report Post »  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:59pm

      I love you on Red Eye, Marc Lamont Hill.

      But the reason she sang the Black National Anthem is because she perceives there to be a class warfare between black (or colored) people, and white people.

      And to those of us who recognize her choice in song as such, and who recognize that there is no such systemic class warfare, find her decision to be extremely offensive. Essentially, what she did is accuse every non-colored person in the room a racist.

      Look, why was she “proud” of her decision to choose her song over the National Anthem? If it was a simple mistake, there would be nothing to puff her chest about. This proves that it was a statement she was making.

      The reason no one would be offended by her singing God Bless America is because there would have been no perception that America was being accused of racist class warfare.

      Report Post »  
    • WireWizard
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:00pm

      To be fair and balanced, this is a non-issue.
      God bless America!

      Report Post » WireWizard  
    • gracentruth
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:42pm

      WHEN Harry Reid loses on Tuesday, we will have a huge Tea Party. Go Sharron Angle! “Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee.
      Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears,
      Our faith triumphant o’er our fears,
      Are all with thee, -are all with thee!“ excerpt from poem ”O Ship of State”

      Report Post » gracentruth  
    • 2
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 10:01pm

      With all the Bitching the Liberal Blacks do the Indians are starting to get in line too. The Libreal Indians, I know because I’m Indian and My Family knows that fight has been over a long long time ago. Without The people of Europe coming over here there wouldn’t be anything to want or to take. Same as the Mexicans. If the owned Ca. Az or NM there would be nothing there. Look where Mexico stops and San Diego starts. If the Mexicans owned South CA. It would be crappy until you get to the States. Weak up people. They only want what we all made. Nothing is owed to anyone. So stop Bitching about 150, 200 or 300 years ago.

      Report Post »  
    • Matty1631
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 10:25pm

      Of course these commies did not sing the national anthem!!

      Have you people not heard anything beck has been telling us?

      Had this been a ********* rally, there would have been american flag t shirts, and don’t tread on me flags as far as the eye can see. The fact that there was not is only proof that this was a marxist rally. I’m pretty sure everyone there had to empty thier wallets so the cash could be distributed evenly among everyone in attendance.

      Come tuesday we will show washington how us teabaggers do it!!

      Report Post » tea bag patriot  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on October 31, 2010 at 10:40pm

      Maybe she works for the T.E.A. party..LOL.. she’s trying to make Reid lose…cause IF Reid allowed her to sing this song she sure isn’t HELPING him win..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 12:15am

      I see why people would be upset. Yet i find this just fine. It would have been bettor to do both but i can dig it if the words are good. If something i missed or dont understand is an insult to my land then i withdraw my statement.

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • Star Spangled
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 12:47am

      I like that idea , A National Tea Party !

      Report Post » Star Spangled  
    • rebel
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 3:34am

      I’d have to say this is not news. Seems like a waste of airtime on that ladies program. If the song isnt calling for heads to roll and blood to spill then good for her. she seems like a nice person. Kinda sad she got dragged up in this. maybe she’ll get a gig on a late night show out of it.

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • PJPony
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 4:06am

      Read this people….we have to stop them all!

      http://warriorsonce.com/?p=315

      Report Post »  
    • Post-Progressive American
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 4:41am

      Myself, I would have walked out.

      Stand for the Anthem, sing the Anthem…it is not a ‘pick anything you want’ type of deal. One can sing other songs after the Anthem when people are seated, but none are (or should be) on par with THE National Anthem.

      But it isn’t the singer’s fault; I believe her that the organizers gave her an option. Further, I really do not believe that Biden, Reid or most of the media really care.

      I was at Arlington National Cemetery a few months ago and had the honor of witnessing the laying of the wreath on Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by a visiting Russian diplomat. Instructions were very clear on audience conduct during the ceremony, especially when the Russian and American anthems were played. I was appalled during the ceremony as only about 10% stood, remained silent, and placed their hands over their hearts. With no decency left, no respect for anything American, I sometimes wonder if we can be saved from the webs of fate that we ourselves have woven.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 8:29am

      Rebel, I have to respectfully disagree about this incident being news.

      Two weeks ago, there was a League of Women Voters debate in Illinois during which a vet stood up at the beginning and asked if the group was going to say the Pledge of Allegiance. The moderator said “No.” The audience immediately leaped to their feet and recited the 15 second long Pledge. The moderator then lectured the audience on their disrepect to her. Quite truthfully, she should have said something like, “It’s not on the agenda, but please feel free to lead us all in saying it.” No one would have heard a word about it.

      Last week, in Pennsylvania, the same thing basically happened at a League event. Once again, the moderator refused to recite the Pledge. The Pledge is not a loyality oath, a sign of citzenship or a test, but mere respect for the flag, under which the League operates.

      Now this. Native America Flag songs are good. They are appropriate in some venues at some times, However they are not our National Anthem. Period. I don’t fault the singer, I believe the error was on the part of the Reid campaign.

      We need to know about these things because it is a very subtle undermining of our nation. BO mis-reading the Declaration of Independence REPEATEDLY, LWV trying to prevent the Pledge from being said, and another song being substituted for the National Anthem are all part of a pattern.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • truthlogic
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 8:44am

      This was racism on her part.Why isn’t anyone saying it?

      Report Post »  
    • mamastitch
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 12:49pm

      Don’t you mean WHEN Harry loses…? :-)

      Report Post »  
    • Robert W
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 4:20pm

      Their the walking dead. Dead inside. Vote Pro-life.

      Report Post »  
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