When a fight breaks out on the ice, the refs let players blow off a little steam then send players to the penalty box. The O Canada issue has let many express themselves, which is what democracy is all about.
Yes, we should not forget about the men who are dying in Afghanistan, but the anthem should not identify only one gender, it is for all persons.
The comments by Robert Stanley Weir's descendant's at
www.publicpoetry.wordpress.com explain why "persons" is a good choice to replace "thy sons."
At the end of the game, or debate, we should all shake hands because it's not about winning, but about respect.