Congressman Tancredo, A real man speaks on the Anthem Fiasco

Tancredo Condemns “Black” National Anthem Fiasco
Asks Mayor and singer to apologize for insulting America


WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton) condemned Mayor John Hickenlooper (D-Denver) and jazz singer Rene Marie for the national anthem debacle that took place during the State of the City address. Rene Marie sang “Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing,” also known as the “black national anthem,” instead of singing the Star-Spangled Banner.


“I hope that this is not indicative of the “state of the city” and the cult of multiculturalism and anti-Americanism does not hold sway over the majority of the people in Denver,” Tancredo said. “It’s also distressing because it appears to be another aspect of the racial politics plaguing this nation.”


At the commencement of the event Tuesday morning, Rene Marie was introduced to perform the national anthem. Instead, she performed the song "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing” to the tune of the Star-Spangled Banner. The national anthem was never performed. After her performance, the audience responded with mild applause.


Initial media reports indicate that neither Hickenlooper nor Marie has yet to apologize for the deliberate and offensive act.


Tancredo concluded, “A simple statement by the mayor and an apology by the singer would help clear this up.”