Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
I think it would be great to play the national anthems of every podium finisher. I think Mat has a good idea. But far more importantly I don’t think the lack of playing Australia’s anthem was done purposely to slight Mat.
Americans are often unkind just from a lack of thinking things all the way through. Give Americans a chance to show respect and give credit where credit it due and they almost always come through. The posts I’ve seen on this topic suggests exactly that. Mat, you’re a great rider, Australia is a beautiful country full of some of the bravest, kindest, freedom-loving people I have ever met. Americans are beautiful, kind, and freedom-loving people that sometimes slight; but then once their transgression is pointed out are willing to repair the slight and then some.
Whitney Blakeslee
Laguna Niguel, California
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
Mladin’s comments with respect to the playing of his national anthem are dead on.
Good for him for speaking up on what he feels is right. I only hope his comments stir up enough controversy to encourage a change in attitude by the AMA and those others who can’t see beyond the borders of the United States.
Dan Moricoli
Wellington, Florida
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
Just a quick note on the history of the “American” Superbike championship; 6 of the last 10 AMA Superbike Championship season battles ended with a non-American rider taking the crown.
I’m sure the lack of acknowledgement and due respect was an oversight more than anything else, but I think it would be appropriate for the AMA to take a few moments at each event to honor the representatives of the Countries that make up one of the most competitive racing series in the world.
As for Mladin, you may not like what comes out of his mouth, but you have to respect a guy that speaks his mind, regardless of the consequences.
Mike DeCell
CMRA #134 (semi-retired/broke)
Austin, Texas
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
Hello All, the biggest point to the whole anthem problem is that Mat is not going to win any races this year so therefore we will not have to worry about playing his national anthem.
Joe Conforth
Lafayette, New Jersey, USA
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
A few of your readers are getting close to mentioning this but:
Mladin is completely missing the point of the playing of the U.S. National Anthem and thus his thoughts of his own personal “civil disobedience” are completely misguided.
The playing of the National Anthem PRIOR to a race (before a winner of any nationality is decided) is not to honor the nationalities of the racers, it’s a period of time to allow the racers, officials and fans to honor the country that race is in. And by not standing he is showing disrespect for that country.
This isn’t the Olympics. A contest between several nations where the winners are honored by having their anthems played. This is the American Motorcycle Association’s Pro Racing’s organized event. It is held on American soil and THAT is why the American National Anthem is played.
There is no disrespect intended by not playing someone else’s anthem. There is disrespect by not recognizing the one country affording you the chance at things greater than your own country can. Mladin did admit that’s why he came here.
Would we be having this discussion if he wasn’t winning? When Haskovec starts winning more and more will we have to start playing the Czech Republic’s national anthem? The AMA has riders from Columbia, Germany, the UK, Canada, and many more countries. None of them seem to have an issue with paying respect to the country they’re racing in.
I’ve stood and paid respects for the national anthems of at least a dozen countries during military and civilian events of other nations including the former Soviet Union, United Kingdom, Turkey, Panama, Kuwait, Canada, Germany, Italy, Columbia, Nicaragua, Bosnia, and many many more. Not once did I feel so conceited that they didn’t play mine.
I quote from the U.S. Army’s Soldier’s Handbook (even though I’m Air Force): “If you are in civilian clothing, stand at attention and place your right hand over your heart. These honors also apply to the national anthems of foreign countries during ceremonies or parades.” What gives Mladin the right? That sad part: If they do end up playing the Australian anthem, I can almost guarantee everyone in attendance will be a better man than he has been and stand and pay their respects… No matter their nationality.
Craig “Huey” Stewart
Kennesaw, Georgia
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
Maybe they should play the National Anthem of the ‘dumbarse’ paying fans who are at the track, in part, paying his salary?
How about the anthem of the country that built the bike? Perhaps a more appropriate anthem to play when Matt hits the podium, is that of France, which is also famous for it’s ‘whines’!
Oops, I’m sorry, France is famous for it W-I-N-E-S! Mat is becoming known for his W-H-I-N-E-S!
By the time these racers start reaching the podium on a regular basis, most fans know damn well what country he is from, and appreciate the skills they possess, and the hard and dangerous work they performed to get there. Isn’t that enough?
Pete Cedel
North Augusta, South Carolina