[MR] movement to change the anthem

[Brett W. McCoy]

On Mon, 17 Sep 2001 Lukehager at aol.com wrote:

> there is, or has been, some talk about changing our national anthem to god
> bless america...i was wondering what thoughts were out there on this...i have
> sung the anthem on many occassions at professional sporting events, and it is
> not an easy song for the most experienced bard...however, i wonder if it is
> appropriate to change horses midstream, so to speak...i understand that this
> country was founded "under god", and i have great faith in some higher power,
> but our country was also founded as a haven for religious freedom, speech,
> etc...will this be a step in the direction of the loss of some freedoms? just
> a thought--me playing devil's advocate and all, since i am a
> reporter...isabella

I think there would be a strong opposition to changing the National Anthem
to that particular song, especially from those who do not share the same
religious beliefs to support the notion of God blessing America (I know
people, for instance, who, when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, skip the
line 'under God' because it conflicts with their religious beliefs (or
lack of)).

I think the anthem as it is is more symbolic of the spirit we want to
convey -- despite the attempts to destroy the flag and the fortress it
stands in, it is still standing tall and proud, undefeated.

And we all know that the melody is form an English tavern song! :-)

-- Istvan
                                          http://www.chapelperilous.net/
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He looked at me as if I were a side dish he hadn't ordered.
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