I'll throw in a controversial question here, though DEFINITELY not one endorsing racism or ignorance: Should performers who are neither U.S. citizens nor residents sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a sporting event that only involves U.S. teams? (Ex: A Canadian singer, at a Yankees-Orioles game, as opposed to a Blue Jays-Orioles game.) The answer may depend on whether someone considers this a performance or a patriotic ceremony. If it's meant to be a patriotic ceremony, maybe the song should be led by someone with the same patriotic sentiments as the attendees. On the other hand, even if it's a patriotic ceremony, the Canadian singer can be viewed as showing respect for the United States and her people. As I said, the question is controversial, and has no right answer.
One thing that does annoy me, perhaps unreasonably, is when longstanding green card holders decide not to become citizens but insist on expressing disdain for those who hold views opposed to theirs on U.S. domestic political issues. I knew a Reagan-loving British fellow who never failed to dump on my liberal politics every time he saw me. I really wanted to snarl, "If the Republican party means so darned much to you, why don't you become a citizen so you can vote for it?"
You alone can make my song take flight.
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