Most disgusting thing you ever seen at the track

[wiffleball whizz]

Now I've been going to the track for about 18 years and I've seen it all anywhere for people grabbing food out of garbage cans to spitting in the floor to picking up food off the ground and eating it....but I wanna share with this forum sometimg I saw at harrahs Philly last weds that made me want to puke/or punch somebody in the mouth...

I get to the track about 11am and before the races I play some poker in the poker room.....the poker room and racing area are separated by a 3 foot wall but basically it's all 1 section....well at noon the national anthem comes on and NOT 1 person other then me stands up for the song....WTF is this?!?! Not 1!!!

Now as I get up and rise I see the whole racing section come to a standstill with hats on chest even the guy that using a walker is standing......And not 1 poker player out of 140 people stand up.....made me wanna vomit never in my life have I seen something so disrespectful and hideous

Now I haven't served in any form of armed services nor have i lost any family members in a war but I always am the first person to appreciate what they have done for this country.....

Can it get any worse then this at the track?! And just to clarify you couldn't hear the person next to you at the table because the song was on so loud so not hearing it isn't a excuse

[FantasticDan]

Playing the national anthem is tradition at racetracks before beginning the day's card.. is it likewise before beginning a day of poker? :p

I can certainly see where you'd think it was disrespectful because the poker players are in the general area and within earshot.. but I dunno.. I just can't see a bunch of zoned-out poker players breaking their concentration to acknowledge what's going on over in racing, even if it's the anthem.

At Finger Lakes, everyone rises for the anthem, just as you describe. And when Finger Lakes is dark, simulcast players rise when NYRA plays their anthem. We're classy like that ;) :ThmbUp:

[Stillriledup]

Playing the national anthem is tradition at racetracks before beginning the day's card.. is it likewise before beginning a day of poker? :p

I can certainly see where you'd think it was disrespectful because the poker players are in the general area and within earshot.. but I dunno.. I just can't see a bunch of zoned-out poker players breaking their concentration to acknowledge what's going on over in racing, even if it's the anthem.

At Finger Lakes, everyone rises for the anthem, just as you describe. And when Finger Lakes is dark, simulcast players rise when NYRA plays their anthem. We're classy like that ;) :ThmbUp:

I sort of agree with this, people are trying to concentrate on their cards, their next move, etc......they also might just feel that its an anthem for racing fans, not them.

I've been at simo facilities or vegas casinos before and some oddball track that i'm not following nor do i care about is playing their anthem and their sound happens to be over the PA system....im not standing up for that. I would only stand if i was at the live track, was there for horse racing and they were playing the anthem....seems like they're more interested in winning than saluting.

Cant blame them, tough economy these days, people need to be able to feed their children.

[usedtolovetvg]

How many playing poker looked like they were Americans?

[PhantomOnTour]

Try playing the Anthem as the horses are entering the far turn and see how many horseplayers stop and acknowledge it - that's basically what's happening at the poker table - some of them are on the far turn (or just the turn :) )when the song comes on.

[Stillriledup]

Try playing the Anthem as the horses are entering the far turn and see how many horseplayers stop and acknowledge it - that's basically what's happening at the poker table - some of them are on the far turn (or just the turn :) )when the song comes on.

Great point.

[wiffleball whizz]

Well being that 7 out Of 10 people always fold in a hand there is ample time to stand up.....either way it's a disgrace

I "kind of" give a pass to the guys that while the anthem is playing they are handicapping the program mid anthem.....

And lol at the players that are there playing 1/2 no limit for a living with kids that are paying $400 a week to play there but that's another story all together

[Tom]

Two guys, George and Fred, go to the simulcast parlor and get a table.
The video feed for Suffolk comes and the National Anthem plays. they both stand up.

A few minutes later, the feed from Calder comes on, and again, the National Anthem plays, and agin, both stand up.

A few more minutes pass, and the Monmouth feed comes on, and once again, the Anthem plays, but this time, George remains seated.

"George, the National Anthem is playing!" Fred says, sternly.
""That's OK, Fred," George says,not looking up from his DRF.
"I'm not playing Monmouth today."

[OCF]

IMO the essence of gambling, including parimutuel gambling and the poker tables, is I try to take your money, and the only thing I give you in return is the chance to take mine.

Given that, the only behaviour you witnessed that was remarkable was that of the horseplayers. ;)

[tzipi]

Well being that 7 out Of 10 people always fold in a hand there is ample time to stand up.....either way it's a disgrace

I "kind of" give a pass to the guys that while the anthem is playing they are handicapping the program mid anthem.....

And lol at the players that are there playing 1/2 no limit for a living with kids that are paying $400 a week to play there but that's another story all together

I've seen the same people playing horses at the track with the same dollar value who have kids :D

[Dave Schwartz]

This fits right in to where I (personally) am in life. As my wife reminds me sometimes, I am a very open person (perhaps too much so at times).

I have come to the realization that I do not like what is going on in OUR country or the world, for that matter.

I could go on and on, enumerating all the things I don't like but what would be the point? I am sure each of us could make such a list, and that many of the items (from your list and mine) would match.

Patriotism - at least what has always been the definition as I have known it - no longer exists.

Please note that the items on my personal list would fill many pages and, by the time I was finished writing the list, I would have high blood pressure. (Perhaps many of you can identify.)

At the top of the list is one item I will share. That would be the fact that many people actually believe that the world of today is just wonderful.

Point 1
To paraphrase Beth, "We need to get over it or die pissed because things are not going back to the way they used to be, no matter how much we want it to."

Point 2
On my desk I have a coffee mug with a big "NC" on it. Note that I am not a fan of North Carolina. Rather, this coffee cup is from my last big life-changing discovery, which came about 10-12 years ago.

At the time I was complaining (ad nauseum, I am told) about how the retail sales world just no longer cared about the customer. Then the revelation hit me that ultimately led to my coffee mug as a reminder: NC stands for "Nobody Cares."

As soon as I can come up with a new acronym, I will be shopping for another mug.


Dave

PS: I can think of MANY things that, by comparison, are far more disgusting than people not standing for the national anthem.

PPS: Network (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKkRDMil0bw)

[cj]

It is a free country, so people not standing for the Anthem doesn't bother me even if it is for the event they are attending. It just isn't worth getting spun up over in my opinion.

[wiffleball whizz]

I'd bet today the people in that poker room would stand today cuz of what happened in Boston yesterday and that in my opinion is people being fake....

I'm sure people went out of there way to stand for national anthems wherever they were the weeks after 9/11.....

There's no way u can convince me that the poker room can't come to a stop for the minute this song is played..

And as for the horse players not standing if they were turning for home I'd agree but the anthem is played long before that has a chance of happening

[tzipi]

Doesn't matter if it's a poker game, OTB, track etc. Some people stand, some don't based on what they feel. It's the individuals call. It's never bothered me to the point "I want to puke" but we are all different.

[OCF]

ww, we're not in the same place on this issue, mostly in that you obviously feel a lot stronger about this than I do.

Regardless I do want to say welcome to the board, you are a breath of fresh air. You remind me of a good friend that I don't get to see much because we live in different cities now.

[wiffleball whizz]

ww, we're not in the same place on this issue, mostly in that you obviously feel a lot stronger about this than I do.

Regardless I do want to say welcome to the board, you are a breath of fresh air. You remind me of a good friend that I don't get to see much because we live in different cities now.

Thanks maybe I'm a little overboard with this.......yes I really like being on this board and I'm fully aware that I'm the low man on the totum pole here in regards to many issues not only racing....

I'm hoping I can brings some things to this forum such a perspective of a young horseplayer that things horse racing is one of the best things on the planet and somebody that works in a casino that sees all sides of gambling.....

I'm on record as always saying pace advantage is the best racing forum there is and it's not even close....I'm very much looking forward to learning more about this game because this is a sharp crowd here!!!

[burnsy]

This fits right in to where I (personally) am in life. As my wife reminds me sometimes, I am a very open person (perhaps too much so at times).

I have come to the realization that I do not like what is going on in OUR country or the world, for that matter.

I could go on and on, enumerating all the things I don't like but what would be the point? I am sure each of us could make such a list, and that many of the items (from your list and mine) would match.

Patriotism - at least what has always been the definition as I have known it - no longer exists.

Please note that the items on my personal list would fill many pages and, by the time I was finished writing the list, I would have high blood pressure. (Perhaps many of you can identify.)

At the top of the list is one item I will share. That would be the fact that many people actually believe that the world of today is just wonderful.

Point 1
To paraphrase Beth, "We need to get over it or die pissed because things are not going back to the way they used to be, no matter how much we want it to."

Point 2
On my desk I have a coffee mug with a big "NC" on it. Note that I am not a fan of North Carolina. Rather, this coffee cup is from my last big life-changing discovery, which came about 10-12 years ago.

At the time I was complaining (ad nauseum, I am told) about how the retail sales world just no longer cared about the customer. Then the revelation hit me that ultimately led to my coffee mug as a reminder: NC stands for "Nobody Cares."

As soon as I can come up with a new acronym, I will be shopping for another mug.


Dave

PS: I can think of MANY things that, by comparison, are far more disgusting than people not standing for the national anthem.

PPS: Network (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKkRDMil0bw)


I love this post and agree 100%....NC its great and so true> Patriotism today is buying one of those yellow ribbons and sticking it on your car or cooking hot dogs on July 4th. Like you said, look whats going on around here and around the world for that matter....its to the point that the real patriots will be when people pick up the flag and hit the streets, thats what we need a revolution for the people again. I was in the military during my youth too, but its bad now........if not getting up for the Anthem because you can hear it through the wall....is your biggest beef with the situation.....you need to sit down and think things through..(big picture)....people pledge allegiance, and stand for the Anthem as the country goes right down shitter. I have more of a problem with that, the founders were not "blind followers"...most people thought they were nuts because they had a pair of nuts...they were people that actually gave a crap and did something about it. Now excuse me as i return to my X Box 360 and watch "Survivor" or some bullshit Jodie Arias trial.....lol.....half the people got nothing better to do because they just sent their jobs to China anyhow.....

[Bennie]

I stand whenever they play the National Anthem no matter what I am in the middle of. It's out of respect. I don't care who else stands or not. They are probably the same people that got the pledge of allegiance banned from our schools. I never served but my Father did in WW2 where he lost his brother, and my Uncle, who was my hero growing up, served 20 years in the Marines.
It's out of respect!
On a side note, because of the heading of this post, the most disgusting thing I have ever seen was a guy standing at the urinal taking a piss while eating a hotdog using both hands.

[cj]

On a side note, because of the heading of this post, the most disgusting thing I have ever seen was a guy standing at the urinal taking a piss while eating a hotdog using both hands.

I can never figure out why people bring food and drink into public bathrooms, very gross.

[JustRalph]

I was at Keeneland one morning and the regular group of employees were sitting in the simulcast area waiting to go to work. They sat through the national anthem while everybody Stood up.

A few minutes later an older gent wobbled over to their table and asked why they didn't stand. One of the employees looked up and said " we're black, we don't go for that shit".

.................

[Beachbabe]

I'd bet today the people in that poker room would stand today cuz of what happened in Boston yesterday and that in my opinion is people being fake....

I'm sure people went out of there way to stand for national anthems wherever they were the weeks after 9/11.....

There's no way u can convince me that the poker room can't come to a stop for the minute this song is played..

And as for the horse players not standing if they were turning for home I'd agree but the anthem is played long before that has a chance of happening


If it's any consolation, Whiz, I'm with you all the way. If it wasn't for the people who died defending this country, there'd be no poker room.

[wiffleball whizz]

If it's any consolation, Whiz, I'm with you all the way. If it wasn't for the people who died defending this country, there'd be no poker room.

Agree 1000 percent....the national anthem commands respect

[tbwinner]

Most disgusting thing --- Hawthorne first floor "clubhouse" west men's bathroom.


Yeah- the people that don't stand up for the Anthem get to me too.

[wisconsin]

Most disgusting thing --- Hawthorne first floor "clubhouse" west men's bathroom.


Yeah- the people that don't stand up for the Anthem get to me too.


Who, besides me, remembers the "cleeeeeeean seat" guy 2nd floor men's room at old Sportsman's?

[illinoisbred]

Most disgusting thing --- Hawthorne first floor "clubhouse" west men's bathroom.


Yeah- the people that don't stand up for the Anthem get to me too.
Agree Tb. A zoo on a hot humid day smells better!

[Dave Schwartz]

Originally Posted by Beachbabe
If it's any consolation, Whiz, I'm with you all the way. If it wasn't for the people who died defending this country, there'd be no poker room.

hooah!

[thaskalos]

Perhaps things are different here in the Chicagoland...but, at the OTBs that I frequent, the horseplayers that I see getting up for the playing of the national anthem do not exactly stand with the reverence that the situation demands.

Most of them are bent over half-way...leaning on their tables for support...with their attention focused on the past-performances of the next race.

[magwell]

I was at Keeneland one morning and the regular group of employees were sitting in the simulcast area waiting to go to work. They sat through the national anthem while everybody Stood up.

A few minutes later an older gent wobbled over to their table and asked why they didn't stand. One of the employees looked up and said " we're black, we don't go for that shit".

................. Thing would have "gotten ugly" if I seen that.....

[Knowclew]

Who, besides me, remembers the "cleeeeeeean seat" guy 2nd floor men's room at old Sportsman's?

I grew up out there....haven't thought of him in a long time.

How about Racetrack Rosie??? Now she was a legend!!!

[magwell]

I grew up out there....haven't thought of him in a long time.

How about Racetrack Rosie??? Now she was a legend!!! Trickys girlfriend......:)

[Robert Goren]

All of which begs the the question on why are they playing the National Anthem at gambling events in the first place? I have always thought it was inappropriate myself.

[PhantomOnTour]

All of which begs the the question on why are they playing the National Anthem at gambling events in the first place? I have always thought it was inappropriate myself.
It's a sporting event Robert - more money is gambled on the Super Bowl than almost anything else...should we play the National Anthem before that game?

[Robert Goren]

It's a sporting event Robert - more money is gambled on the Super Bowl than almost anything else...should we play the National Anthem before that game?If you have noticed, most tv broadcasts of football games do not include the National Anthem. Since when is poker a sport? A lot of people attend football games or watch them on tv without betting on them. Almost nobody goes to track and especially the simucast center without betting. The two are not really comparable. This attitude that horse racing is a sport like football is one the reasons it is in so much trouble. Horse Racing is a gambling event pure and simple just like a crap game and would not exist without gambling. Just because some people wager on football doesn't make it gambling event like horse racing or poker. Football would exist although maybe not on as large a scale without gambling. I know at least 20 people who go to every Nebraska game and none of them bet on football. All the people I know who bet football rarely go to a game. They can't afford the tickets after their gambling losses.:rolleyes:

[thespaah]

Now I've been going to the track for about 18 years and I've seen it all anywhere for people grabbing food out of garbage cans to spitting in the floor to picking up food off the ground and eating it....but I wanna share with this forum sometimg I saw at harrahs Philly last weds that made me want to puke/or punch somebody in the mouth...

I get to the track about 11am and before the races I play some poker in the poker room.....the poker room and racing area are separated by a 3 foot wall but basically it's all 1 section....well at noon the national anthem comes on and NOT 1 person other then me stands up for the song....WTF is this?!?! Not 1!!!

Now as I get up and rise I see the whole racing section come to a standstill with hats on chest even the guy that using a walker is standing......And not 1 poker player out of 140 people stand up.....made me wanna vomit never in my life have I seen something so disrespectful and hideous

Now I haven't served in any form of armed services nor have i lost any family members in a war but I always am the first person to appreciate what they have done for this country.....

Can it get any worse then this at the track?! And just to clarify you couldn't hear the person next to you at the table because the song was on so loud so not hearing it isn't a excuse
Bums at Aqueduct picking up cigarette butts of the floor and relighting them.

[thespaah]

I was at Keeneland one morning and the regular group of employees were sitting in the simulcast area waiting to go to work. They sat through the national anthem while everybody Stood up.

A few minutes later an older gent wobbled over to their table and asked why they didn't stand. One of the employees looked up and said " we're black, we don't go for that shit".

.................
Hmm. Those workers are typical of the portion of this population that thinks freedom is free.
My response to their racist comment would have been "then move to a country where you would feel more comfortable."

[wisconsin]

How about Racetrack Rosie??? Now she was a legend!!!


At both Spt and Haw. Parasol and all, she was so well dressed. Wasn't she a stripper? I know someone named a horse after her.

[CincyHorseplayer]

Yeah I've seen some racetrack Rosie types.The sickest was about a 180 lber with a miniskirt and 4 in heels on.She had so much cottage cheese on her thighs that it looked like wool on a lamb.It spurned my cousin to coin the term "Woolly hamhocks"!

[rrpic6]

The worst thing I ever saw at the track was at Mountaineer a long time ago. A horse that was winning by about 5 lengths with about a hundred yards to the finish line snapped his leg. A guy starts screaming at the jockey and the horse "I'm glad you broke your leg you piece of shit" Kids were screaming and a dumbfounded lady asked me if the horse would be alright. I had to take some time off from live racing after that.

RR

[Racey]

who was hitting early in the meet a loud boisterous punk....poor chap was looking for cab fare by week 3...sad.

[Fox]

Hmm. Those workers are typical of the portion of this population that thinks freedom is free."

Freedom shouldn't be free. It should cost. Let's call it costdom and force people to stand during the anthem under penalty of law for failure to do so.

[thespaah]

Freedom shouldn't be free. It should cost. Let's call it costdom and force people to stand during the anthem under penalty of law for failure to do so.
Not to get into a political pissing contest, but to clue you in, it's about showing a little respect and appreciation for the things we have.
No need for you to reply.

[Robert Goren]

The worst thing I ever saw at the track was a man die in front of my eyes of a heart attack. If you ever seen a person die, it puts all the other foolishness that happens far behind.

[thespaah]

The worst thing I ever saw at the track was a man die in front of my eyes of a heart attack. If you ever seen a person die, it puts all the other foolishness that happens far behind.
Wow!....
I would be " sorry, I gotta go"...
I would most definitely make a quick exit, head home and reflect on life.

[Robert Goren]

Wow!....
I would be " sorry, I gotta go"...
I would most definitely make a quick exit, head home and reflect on life.That is what I did.

[therussmeister]

Wow!....
I would be " sorry, I gotta go"...
I would most definitely make a quick exit, head home and reflect on life.
Right up to the words "head home" I thought you were talking as the man who died.

[mountainman]

I love my country and will always rise respectfully for our anthem. But our national song and flag, at least in part, REPRESENT the right to disrespect them. That's the true strength of a free nation.

[cj]

I love my country and will always rise respectfully for our anthem. But our national song and flag, at least in part, REPRESENT the right to disrespect them. That's the true strength of a free nation.

My thoughts exactly.

[Valuist]

I was listening to a gambling podcast out of LV the other day and the guest was a woman who had played both blackjack and poker professionally. The host asked her what were the biggest differences between the blackjack and poker players. She said the biggest difference was that, by in large, poker players were scumbags, while BJ players were not.

[thaskalos]

I was listening to a gambling podcast out of LV the other day and the guest was a woman who had played both blackjack and poker professionally. The host asked her what were the biggest differences between the blackjack and poker players. She said the biggest difference was that, by in large, poker players were scumbags, while BJ players were not.
Did she elaborate a little further?

[magwell]

I love my country and will always rise respectfully for our anthem. But our national song and flag, at least in part, REPRESENT the right to disrespect them. That's the true strength of a free nation. Yes that is true..... but if anyone wants to disrespect the national song and flag of the USA..... they best get the hell out of our country......:mad:

[thaskalos]

Yes that is true..... but if anyone wants to disrespect the national song and flag of the USA..... they best get the hell out of our country......:mad:
I'm glad to see that you are at least in partial agreement with Mountainman and Cj...

[Valuist]

Did she elaborate a little further?

She claimed that poker players were far more likely to beg for money from strangers, and more likely to try to cheat.

[thaskalos]

She claimed that poker players were far more likely to beg for money from strangers, and more likely to try to cheat.

I would have to disagree with her. In my experience...the word "scumbag" could be applied in equal measure across all the arenas of gambling.

[wiffleball whizz]

The lowest of the low poker players at there worst are worse then the lowest of the low horse player.....trust me I know this

[tzipi]

The lowest of the low poker players at there worst are worse then the lowest of the low horse player.....trust me I know this


I doubt it because we'd have to know every poker player and every horse player to know for sure. But I find it funny we are arguing who can be lower, a horse player or poker player.

[Valuist]

I would have to disagree with her. In my experience...the word "scumbag" could be applied in equal measure across all the arenas of gambling.

I don't play poker so I don't know if she's right or not, but she was very definitive. I did have a former boss that played poker for a number of years (claimed he was good), but he quit, saying the game was overloaded with young punks.

Maybe its the bluffing aspect of poker; maybe those who can lie naturally are better at that (just a guess).

[thaskalos]

The lowest of the low poker players at there worst are worse then the lowest of the low horse player.....trust me I know this
I used to think so too...and then I met a guy at the OTB who got broke...and was out of action for several months. One day, he comes to the OTB and starts collecting money from friends so he could pay for the funeral of his recently deceased son. He seemed like a decent guy...so we all gave him whatever we could -- some more than others.

The saturday of the funeral comes around...and this "grieving" father comes to the OTB right after the burial -- still in his suit -- and start betting and swearing at the TV screens...shamelessly using the exact same money that we had given him a day or two prior.

A person tried to offer him his condolences, and he was told..."leave me alone now; don't you see that I am losing "my money"?

[Steve 'StatMan']

Worst thing I ever saw at a track was in the Arlington "International Racecourse" parking lot after the races, back in 2002. A very disturbed mother was slapping her approx 12 year old son around, mostly in the head, and yelling at him, "Look What You Made Mommy Do!" From what I could figure, she was a messed up person who finally won some money at the track, but her son had spent all the money he had in the game room (likely from her, who's fault is that, Mommy?!!!) and probably more than she won that day. This was about 15 years before I had a cell phone, so it'd taken some doing to call the police, and I didn't see any security people out that far. That was back in the days when there were good sized crowds and we often had to park around the far turn on a Sunday, if you got there less than 45 minutes to first post.

Worst ontrack incident, also at AP, about the same timeframe. Was watching the finish of a race at the rail. Clear leader within the last 50 yards had a fatal heart attack (may have broken its leg and pain took over) and likely died while in remaining stride, tumbled over forward and somersaulted forward at least once & maybe twice, jockey flying, until its lifeless body came to rest in the dirt. Man did that crowd get oh so silent. Very sad.

[thespaah]

I used to think so too...and then I met a guy at the OTB who got broke...and was out of action for several months. One day, he comes to the OTB and starts collecting money from friends so he could pay for the funeral of his recently deceased son. He seemed like a decent guy...so we all gave him whatever we could -- some more than others.

The saturday of the funeral comes around...and this "grieving" father comes to the OTB right after the burial -- still in his suit -- and start betting and swearing at the TV screens...shamelessly using the exact same money that we had given him a day or two prior.

A person tried to offer him his condolences, and he was told..."leave me alone now; don't you see that I am losing "my money"?
Unfortunately I have become so jaded, so cynical, that when a person presents a sob story followed by "can you spare a few bucks?" I step away.
And to be quite frank, it does not bother me on iota. I work hard for my money.

[Valuist]

Most disgusting thing --- Hawthorne first floor "clubhouse" west men's bathroom.




It ties in well with the troughs at Wrigley.

[aaron]

It is a free country, so people not standing for the Anthem doesn't bother me even if it is for the event they are attending. It just isn't worth getting spun up over in my opinion.
You are probably right,but it bothers me.We live in the greatest country in the world and we should show some respect.

[thaskalos]

Unfortunately I have become so jaded, so cynical, that when a person presents a sob story followed by "can you spare a few bucks?" I step away.
And to be quite frank, it does not bother me on iota. I work hard for my money.
I am the exact opposite.

If someone asks me for a few bucks and I turn him down...it ends up bothering me more than it does him.

I turn people down on occasion, and then I am so bothered by it...I will actually hunt them down and hand them the money after the fact.

No joke...

[Stillriledup]

You are probably right,but it bothers me.We live in the greatest country in the world and we should show some respect.

Why would you care if other people don't 'show respect'? Why does it matter?

[magwell]

Why would you care if other people don't 'show respect'? Why does it matter? Wow, how out of touch that statement is :ThmbDown:

[Saratoga_Mike]

Why would you care if other people don't 'show respect'? Why does it matter?

Do you also wonder why people are bothered by Westboro Baptist when they protest funerals of innocent victims? Do you wonder why most people are bothered when others burn the American flag? Come on SRU.

[thaskalos]

Do you also wonder why people are bothered by Westboro Baptist when they protest funerals of innocent victims? Do you wonder why most people are bothered when others burn the American flag? Come on SRU.
The national anthem is being played at the OTB...but instead of standing at attention, I am sitting down studying the past performances of the upcoming race.

Is this the same as me protesting the funeral of an innocent victim...or me burning the American flag?

Do I deserve to be harrassed by some one I don't even know?

[cj]

You are probably right,but it bothers me.We live in the greatest country in the world and we should show some respect.

I just figure I don't know why a person is choosing not to show respect, so what is the point of worrying about it? It could very well be a legitimate reason.

[tzipi]

I stand when the National Anthem is being played but I could care less about other peoples choices, feelings or lives. I'm just there to play the horses.

[Saratoga_Mike]

The national anthem is being played at the OTB...but instead of standing at attention, I am sitting down studying the past performances of the upcoming race.

Is this the same as me protesting the funeral of an innocent victim...or me burning the American flag?

Do I deserve to be harrassed by some one I don't even know?

No, SRU wondered why the other poster "cared." I used two examples to show how Constitutionally-protected actions can be offensive.

If you're at the track, I think you should stop handicapping, stand and listen politely. At an OTB, I don't hold that view. Why? You aren't at the actual event with the actual flag---maybe that's a distinction without a difference, but it's a difference to me.

[thespaah]

I am the exact opposite.

If someone asks me for a few bucks and I turn him down...it ends up bothering me more than it does him.

I turn people down on occasion, and then I am so bothered by it...I will actually hunt them down and hand them the money after the fact.

No joke...
I guess growing up in the NY Metro area and working in lower Manhattan kind of made my outlook on this. When I first started, I was an on foot courier. Even in the financial district, there were homeless people all over the place. Most of them had a very nasty approach to panhandling.
Then when I was driving around as a courier basically from Mid Town down to The Battery, it was every other time I stopped at a red light, someone was rattling a container at me looking for money.....
Just got sick of it.

[thespaah]

Why would you care if other people don't 'show respect'? Why does it matter?
:ThmbDown:

[Dave Schwartz]

I would suggest that "not showing respect" and "showing disrespect" are two different things.

IMHO, one calls for ignoring and the other for action, though I admit that I am not sure what that action might be.

[_______]

I would suggest that "not showing respect" and "showing disrespect" are two different things.

IMHO, one calls for ignoring and the other for action, though I admit that I am not sure what that action might be.

You could post endlessly on the internet about how you'd kick ass if it ever happens again. That's what most of us would do.

[wiffleball whizz]

:ThmbDown:

Agree!!

[appistappis]

I stand when the National Anthem is being played but I could care less about other peoples choices, feelings or lives. I'm just there to play the horses.


right on....case closed

[Dave Schwartz]

You could post endlessly on the internet about how you'd kick ass if it ever happens again. That's what most of us would do.

Alas, I fear that ship has sailed.

:(

[castaway01]

The very few times I have been at the racetrack early enough to hear the National Anthem, a few people stood and most didn't. Most of the people there---standing or not standing---were age 70 and up. Incidentally, I stood, but that's not the point. I assume most of the men there served in some branch of the Armed Forces, while I didn't. So, the idea that it's disgusting these veterans didn't stand for a recording of the National Anthem, or that I should go around at half their age and get in their faces about it, is ludicrous to me. That's their life, their decision, and it's a free country---one they fought for.

As far as the initial question, I've seen a million things worse than that at the track. The most prevalent is probably guys either screaming at or gloating about an injured horse or jockey. Too numerous to mention.

[aaron]

The very few times I have been at the racetrack early enough to hear the National Anthem, a few people stood and most didn't. Most of the people there---standing or not standing---were age 70 and up. Incidentally, I stood, but that's not the point. I assume most of the men there served in some branch of the Armed Forces, while I didn't. So, the idea that it's disgusting these veterans didn't stand for a recording of the National Anthem, or that I should go around at half their age and get in their faces about it, is ludicrous to me. That's their life, their decision, and it's a free country---one they fought for.

As far as the initial question, I've seen a million things worse than that at the track. The most prevalent is probably guys either screaming at or gloating about an injured horse or jockey. Too numerous to mention.
I don't think anyone should get in anybody's face. It is still disrespectful,but as you say,its a free country.
Anyone who gloats about an injured jockey or horse is just an idiot. I wouldn't even bother talking to people like that.

[wiffleball whizz]

The very few times I have been at the racetrack early enough to hear the National Anthem, a few people stood and most didn't. Most of the people there---standing or not standing---were age 70 and up. Incidentally, I stood, but that's not the point. I assume most of the men there served in some branch of the Armed Forces, while I didn't. So, the idea that it's disgusting these veterans didn't stand for a recording of the National Anthem, or that I should go around at half their age and get in their faces about it, is ludicrous to me. That's their life, their decision, and it's a free country---one they fought for.

As far as the initial question, I've seen a million things worse than that at the track. The most prevalent is probably guys either screaming at or gloating about an injured horse or jockey. Too numerous to mention.

In all honesty I've never seen anybody not stand for the anthem at the track in the racing section.....this goes for Yonkers Monmouth the meadowlands and parx...and that's the truth

[JustRalph]

Getting in somebodies face about this would be stupid. I wasn't happy with the Keeneland employees but just like CJ says, they have that right and there is no accounting for good taste and common sense.

We all have an opinion........and you know they say about opinions

[tzipi]

In all honesty I've never seen anybody not stand for the anthem at the track in the racing section.....this goes for Yonkers Monmouth the meadowlands and parx...and that's the truth


I've seen people stay seated at the track. Not the majority of course but I've seen numerous people sitting, people burying their head in a paper, walking through the track, etc.

[wiffleball whizz]

I've seen people stay seated at the track. Not the majority of course but I've seen numerous people sitting, people burying their head in a paper, walking through the track, etc.



Yeah I've seen people reading programs while standing but really never see anybody flat out not stand

[tzipi]

Yeah I've seen people reading programs while standing but really never see anybody flat out not stand

Well I've seen people seated numerous times. Again not many but have seen some. Again as I said I always stand but I respect people opinions and beliefs and choices.

[wiffleball whizz]

Well I've seen people seated numerous times. Again not many but have seen some. Again as I said I always stand but I respect people opinions and beliefs and choices.

I don't respect people that don't respect our national anthem....I have way to much respect for anybody in our armed forces not to respect the flag...

Last weds at harrahs philly I got a $60 don't pass with the point being a 10....noticed the guy was in the air force Abd shooting the dice I picked up my don't while point was still going on...

I have 100 times more respect for any armed service member then any cop

[tzipi]

I don't respect people that don't respect our national anthem....I have way to much respect for anybody in our armed forces not to respect the flag...


I have 100 times more respect for any armed service member then any cop


Well that not too fair, there are great cops out there too. Cops that have saved lives, shown bravery, etc. Military men and women are great but cops are great too. OK maybe some bad apples here and there in every service but they are both good and provide brave service like in Boston recently.

Not sure why there is this big thing about the anthem on the horse page but I will lastly say, the AMERICAN FLAG stands for freedom, it stands for free speech and choice. You are free here. It stands for making your own choices, having your own opinions and not being punished for them. That flag lets someone have their choice to sit or stand. Now we both might not agree with the person sitting but it is his choice in America with that flag flying.
North Korea....no choice...punishment...no American flag there.

But again, I could care less about other peoples choices in that or beliefs in that at the track. It's their lives and beliefs and maybe there's a sad reason they have for it. I only can show and care about my beliefs in life. Everyone is different and they are allowed to be different in America. The flag stands for freedom and the freedom to do what you want. :)

[thaskalos]

I don't respect people that don't respect our national anthem....I have way to much respect for anybody in our armed forces not to respect the flag...

Last weds at harrahs philly I got a $60 don't pass with the point being a 10....noticed the guy was in the air force Abd shooting the dice I picked up my don't while point was still going on...


This has to be a joke...right?

You picked up a bet with a 2-1 edge because the shooter was in the Air Force?

I had gotten the impression that you were a serious gambler...

[wiffleball whizz]

This has to be a joke...right?

You picked up a bet with a 2-1 edge because the shooter was in the Air Force?

I had gotten the impression that you were a serious gambler...

I'm a serious gambler I just had a bad feeling a 10 was gonna come.....and what I didn't mention is I hit a couple 6s and 8s on the roll....

The last thing I wanted was a 10 to come off and yes had a feeling the falcon was gonna fire it

[JohnGalt1]

I'm a serious gambler I just had a bad feeling a 10 was gonna come.....and what I didn't mention is I hit a couple 6s and 8s on the roll....

The last thing I wanted was a 10 to come off and yes had a feeling the falcon was gonna fire it

Seriously, I hope you don't make too many hunch bets, especially in random events.

But I hope you do make hunch bets if you're betting at tracks where I'm betting. :)

[wiffleball whizz]

Seriously, I hope you don't make too many hunch bets, especially in random events.

But I hope you do make hunch bets if you're betting at tracks where I'm betting. :)

I know it's not smart or good to make hunch bets gambling but in my opinion it's not a hunch play....since shooter got dice on roll here was the breakdown of the rolls

60 don't pass- threw a 3
60 don't pass throws a 3
60 don't pass throws a 7
60 don't pass throws a 2
60 dont pass throws a 11 (furious)
60 don't pass throws a 10
$24 6&8 threw 2 8s and a 6

At that point I was happy to pick up the 60 and book a 350 win overall...another reason it got picked up was cuz I was ready to lay 260 for 130....

And am I really a hunch bettor when I had 300 on the Kansas city royals....? I'm prob the only person who bet kc yesterday

[wiffleball whizz]

This has to be a joke...right?

You picked up a bet with a 2-1 edge because the shooter was in the Air Force?

I had gotten the impression that you were a serious gambler...

I would have to agree looking from the outside picking up a 10 could be the dumbest move is history of casino play

I apologize for not being a perfectionist while gambling I resize this forum is full of 100 percent win rate gamblers and red board specialists....I try and be honest about giving statements about things I do while in action and then get buried for it cus I make a dumb play on paper....

2 hours ago playing .50 jacks or better at ac Hilton I get dealer A Q J 10 9 of clubs......I hit the hold button...was this the right play?

And to answer the question what does this have to do with being the most disgusting thing at the track.....not a thing;)

[PaceAdvantage]

I had gotten the impression that you were a serious gambler...Really? Wow... :lol:

[PaceAdvantage]

With apologies to cj for not doing this sooner, I think this thread is crying out for a mercy killing...so allow me...

[cj]

Yeah, I should have done it sooner.