Chanteuse Rene Marie Shocks Denver with Black National Anthem

In a surprise attempt at artistic expression, singer Chanteuse René Marie blended the national anthem with James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," which is commonly referred to as the "Black National Anthem." To make matters worse, this impromptu artistic and political statement was made during Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's annual State of the City address.

In response, to this faux pas, The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that the Denver City Council is being hammered with hate-filled messages. With eyes already looking towards Denver because of the August 25th Democratic National Convention, the singing of "The Black National Anthem" is a racially and politically charged stunt that will have major implications for Barack Obama, the Democrats, and Denver.

Chanteuse René Marie says she doesn't have any regrets. In fact, she is quoted in the Rocky Mountain News as saying "You have to risk things. You have to. Otherwise, you might of well live your life by a script." On the internet and on major media outlets such as Fox News and CNN, Barack Obama is already being linked to the singing of the "Black National Anthem. Chanteuse René Marie is an open Obama supporter, and like many other supporters of the presumptive Democratic nominee, her mouth is getting the senator in trouble. The actions of Reverend Wright and Father Pfleger have already forced Obama to create a website to combat the anti-American and counter-patriotic rumors that surround him. The "Black National Anthem" will be added to the list of evidence that Obama and his wife hate America.

For the Democrats, the damage is even greater. Traditionally, in public eye, some Democratic factions are often seen as a radical group of dissidents that hate America. Stunts like singing the "Black National Anthem" exploit that image and solidify it in the minds of middle America and politically moderate Americans. This is a population that both the Democrats and Republicans are currently courting. In a staggeringly selfish act, Chanteuse René Marie alienated many moderates and independents, making liberals seem anti-American.

Distractions are not what the Democrats need, especially during the holiday week. "The Black National Anthem" was sung during the week we celebrate America and American Independence. On the talk radio shows, Republican supporters of John Mccain are already smelling blood. On 850KOA, a local Denver radio station, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter was forced to defend the city and state as caller after caller commented on how despicable the action was. Many commented that John Mccain, unlike Barack Obama, was a true patriot and an American hero. This is not the conversation that you want during the Fourth of July in a political season.

The political fallout from the singing of "The Black National Anthem" will affect the Democratic National Convention as well. The convention is less then two months away, and already the Rocky Mountain News has reported that protestors and dissidents have begun organizing. The actions of Chanteuse René Marie only increase the number of people who might likely protest the gathering. Again, the headlines for Obama, Denver, and the Democrats will not be good.

Lastly, the Denver Police, and the Colorado National Guard who, out of duty and honor, will be on site to protect the convention participants and the protestors, will do so knowing that many of the protestors are less than supportive and patriotic. Morale will be low, and esprit de corps will be strained. Again, the Democrat's attempt to win the hearts and minds of their supporters has been seriously jeopardized.

When in the public eye, it is often hard to understand the unintended consequences and hidden ramifications of our actions. By singing "The Black National Anthem," Chanteuse René Marie made herself, Barack Obama, Denver, and the Democrats look foolish, selfish, and thoroughly anti-American.