[MR] movement to change the anthem

[Christopher Goodson]

isabella 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...

Sorry, but my take on this is:
No
No
No

I have a great deal of respect for religion, but I don't practice it. I
suppose I would be considered an agnostic.

As it is now, the Anthem, unsingable as it is, is about the only thing in
American political life that does not throw God, specifically, the Christian
one, my direction. From the pledge of allegiance to the end of every
politicians speech, I get a none-too-subtle clue that I am not part of the
club, that I somehow don't belong. As a teacher, I am constantly aware that
there are plenty of people who would force me to lead their own kids in
prayer. "God Bless America" would push us a little further the wrong
direction.

America the Beautiful is a little better, but it still has the God angle. I
have nothing against people who are religious and patriotic, but if they
want to sing hymns, they shouldn't make me sing along. That's the whole
point of the "free exercise" clause.

Besides, God bless America  isn't that much easier to sing anyway.

William of Faleston
(Chris Goodson)