US Park Police Order Students to Quit Singing National Athem at Lincoln Memorial

[Wilma]

I seem to have lost the purpose of this article being posted?  What was it supposed to inform us of that we needed to know?

[Roma Jean Turner]

Since it looks like this thread is about to die, I'll just post here to tell kshillbilly I love seeing the picture of Ma and Pa Kettle.  Like many of you I remember seeing these in the movie theatres while I ate my dime bag of popcorn.

[kshillbillys]

Thank you Roma Jean! We love those old movies! 

[twirldoggy]

This thread is about freedom of speech on public property.  It is interesting in that it speaks to freedom of speech for children as well.  Also it relates to the idea of the arbitrary enforcement of rules, even though the situation is dictating otherwise.  It directly relates to the feeling that many people have of losing freedoms and being told what to do even if it makes no sense in the current situation.

Once I planned to go and look at the art in the Nelson Gallery.  I went alone because very few people want to do this.  I took a CD player (the old days).  I was having a wonderful experience listening to Mario Frangoulis singing in Greek and Italian.  At the same time looking at ancient Chinese art.  A security gaurd approached me and told me I could not listen to the music as I might miss hearing a fire alarm!!  Well I was listening to music and hearing his voice so I wasn't about to miss the fire alarm.  I had to comply with his directive but it was mighty frustrating. 

[Varmit]

I think also it is a good example of how easily those freedoms can be taken by someone just because they have a badge.  I also think it shows (and I hate to use this but it really fits) just how "sheep" like alot in this country have become.

[Diane Amberg]

That above one is very strange! I've been to many galleries and showings where you get a head set and player that you carry with you. It tells you about what you are viewing. Nobody else can hear it so it doesn't bother anyone else and I could most definitely hear an alarm if it went off. I wonder what that was really about? I'm not an absolute skeptic as are some, but I find that very odd.

[srkruzich]

That above on is very strange! I've been to many galleries and showings where you get a head set and player that you carry with you. It tells you about what you are viewing. Nobody else can hear it so it doesn't bother anyone else and I could most definitely hear an alarm if it went off. I wonder what that was really about? I'm not an absolute skeptic as are some, but I find that very odd.

Its not the same listening through the headset. The sound echoing off the halls of a museum give it a different sound.

[twirldoggy]

I was listening through an earphone in one ear only.  It may seem odd but it really happened.

[Diane Amberg]

Sound "echoing off the walls?" Huh? How loud would that have to be? If that were the case I'd object too!

[twirldoggy]

Another thought:  anyone can recite and enforce the rules.  People are fearful of not enforcing the rules because they can be sued.  But how often does this happen?  I would much prefer that officers and gaurds use their discretion.  In this case I see nothing wrong with letting school children sing in front of the statue.  Very unlikely that anyone would sue over it.  The song would be over and the children would leave in a few minutes.