Politics
Capitol Police Stop National Anthem
Knowledge Nuggets:
- David Rasbach, director of the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir, had prior written approval from three congressmen, including the Speaker of the House, to perform at the Capitol.
- Despite this, their rendition of the National Anthem was cut short by a Capitol Police officer who claimed that the performance was not allowed and was deemed offensive by some.
- Capitol Police later apologized for the misunderstanding and affirmed that the performance had indeed been approved, contradicting their earlier assertion.
In a surprising twist of events, the melodious tunes of the National Anthem sung by the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir in the Capitol, were abruptly halted by a Capitol Police officer. The choir, under the direction of David Rasbach, had made the journey from Greenville, South Carolina after receiving formal written permission from no less than three Congressmen.
On the eventful day, the officer in question abruptly stopped the performance, claiming it was unauthorized and offensive to some, much to the shock and dismay of Rasbach and the children. Eyewitness accounts, supported by video evidence, paint a picture of the officer’s intervention as premature and unwarranted.
Rasbach, reflecting on the incident, stated his disbelief at the abrupt stoppage of their rendition of the National Anthem. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on the choir and the gathered audience who were left in disbelief and disappointment.
The Capitol Police’s initial denial of allegations, followed by a public apology and admission of miscommunication, added fuel to the controversy. Their assertion that the staffer had lied about the permission was strongly refuted by both Rasbach and Micah Rea, the organizer of the trip. The ensuing chaos has left many questioning the consistency of the Capitol Police’s communication and enforcement of rules.
Clear Thoughts:
As an ardent advocate for clear communication and the proper execution of laws, I find the recent event involving the interruption of the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir at the Capitol profoundly disturbing.
The Capitol Police’s mishandling of the situation stands as an affront to the principles we hold dear. This choir had obtained official permission to perform our national anthem – an act that serves as a symbolic celebration of our freedom and democratic values. To stop them mid-song under the guise of the performance being ‘unauthorized and offensive’ is a stark example of bureaucratic overreach.
Not only was this an uncalled-for exercise of authority, but the incident has also been followed by a shoddy attempt at damage control. Initial denials from Capitol Police, and then an apology backed by a justification that contradicts the facts – this chaotic handling only exposes a worrying lack of consistency in the decision-making processes.
Yet, what’s even more troubling is the precedent that this sets for future expressions of patriotism in our nation’s capital. If children, with all the necessary permissions, can’t sing our national anthem without facing obstruction, what message are we sending about the freedom of expression and respect for our national symbols?
Capitol Police must tighten their internal communication and ensure that such incidents are not repeated. It’s high time we value and respect the public’s engagement in national symbols as opposed to silencing it under the pretense of non-existent offenses.
Steve Johnson
June 10, 2023 at 6:17 am
These are the same Capitol Police that shot an unarmed woman on Jan 6. Under Biden America has come under attack for any patriot that shows love for our country.
billi
June 10, 2023 at 10:18 am
That Officer had other acts of incompetancy — Left his side arm in a public bathroom stall ,amongs other things.
gypsy
June 10, 2023 at 11:56 am
STEVE YOUR CORRECT , DEMS AND RINOS HELL BENT TO DESTROY AMERICA AT ALL COST . NO EXCUSE FOR THE POLICE . TIME TO RID THE POLICE OF BAD APPLES THAT WORK FOR DEMS AND RINOS ONLY. A LITTLE COMMON SENSE GOES A LONG WAY
Andrew
June 10, 2023 at 8:17 am
FIRE THAT OFFICER IMMEDIATELY,
HE IS NOT QUALIFIED,
TYPICAL EVIL DIRTY ROTTEN DEMOCRAT,
ALWAYS SO FILLED WITH HATRED.
eric lee ives
June 10, 2023 at 8:17 am
if the national anthem is offensive to someone, why do they live here? why is it that we cater to these minorities. but if someone finds their attitudes offensive, they are just exercising their rights?
Dennis Roy
June 10, 2023 at 12:10 pm
The lack of judgement here is inexcusable. Anybody employed by the government who hasn’t got the wherewithal to see that this is a right and privilege for anyone at any time, simply does not belong working as a federal peace officer.
This person needs to be handed a pink slip or sent into administrative oblivion where they have no contact with ordinary people.
c smith
June 10, 2023 at 2:57 pm
the thought of the police stopping children from singing the national anthem because SOMEONE may be offended sickens me ,This country has gone so far to not offending someone it has lost the patriotism of our country .
Rev. Judi Sorensen
June 10, 2023 at 7:17 pm
Oh My God please stop this insanity ! If we can’t sing the “Star Spangled Banner”
we are doomed !!!!!!! America is no more !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
N.L. Clesceri
June 10, 2023 at 8:02 pm
No lukewarm response from Capitol Police is to be acceptable!
This officer should be FIRED right now; and the command contingent, as well.
Speaker McCarthy, they answer to you, so go ahead and take control and rectify this egregious act, please.
Fred Brown
June 10, 2023 at 8:21 pm
Is Pelosi sill commanding the Capitol Police? This sounds like something she would have had a hand in! Anti-anthem equals Anti-American!
Libra
June 11, 2023 at 8:15 pm
I wonder if the Squats ordered up Lt Murderer Byrd to hush the children singing the NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE USA. GOD HELP US ALL. We are all now under Communist Rule by the Elites and Communists that propagate our Federal Government.
Marlene
June 13, 2023 at 11:12 pm
This is nonsense. A big $$$ funder of the party of demons might be responsible. He has sons following in his footsteps.