Has this ever happened to you? The Star Spangled Banner

[in_cog_ni_to]

use to bring tears to my eyes. I would always choke up with pride when I heard the anthem. (before I learned how bad this freakin' country is) and last night at my son's wrestling meet, the school we were at played the Star Spangled Banner (that's never happened at any other meet) and I found myself.....ANGRY BEYOND BELIEF! I WAS PISSED THAT THEY PLAYED IT. PISSED THAT I HAD TO LISTEN TO IT AND PISSED THAT THE SHEEPLE STOOD THERE WITH THEIR HANDS ON THEIR HEARTS as if this country is something to be proud of. I was SHOCKED by my gut reaction. I was FURIOUS. It was so unexpected. Have any of you ever experienced that? It's been YEARS since I've been at any event where the SSB was played and my reaction was so visceral.
I-was-angry.

[MADem]

1. I am permanently sickened by GOD BLESS AMERICA, myself

I used to like it, the odd time I would hear it, in Kate Smith style. Now, it makes me physically ill, frankly.

[Bluesplayer]

53. I do like that John Ashcroft song though....

that one about the rocky coast....

[MADem]

59. Let the Eagle SOAR!!!!!!!

http://www.cnn.com/video/us/2002/02/25/ashcroft.sings.wbtv.med.html

Watch it here!!!!!!!!

[nickinSTL]

2. I'm not disgusted with having to hear it...

but it makes me think of what has been lost, and the fact that most of the people listening to it have no idea it's gone.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. I no longer sing it.

I refuse to sing it. I will stand when it is played, but I will not join in. I will not say the pledge of allegiance, either.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

10. Rabrrrrr, I'm with ya there.

I no longer sing it or put my hand over my heart, but like you, do stand for it.

I haven't been in a position to say the Pledge in years, but if I found myself in one sometime in the future, I will refuse to say that as well.

Now if I'm at a function where "America the Beautiful" is sung, that's a completely different situation. That particular song should be the national anthem.

Maybe someday, if the republic survives, that song will replace the present one.

[truth2power]

49. Confirm they soul in self-control. Thy liberty in law..

Prescient, isn't it? I think of that a lot.

[fasttense]

4. I spent twenty years in the Navy and the national anthem always

made me choke up. Now I just feel sad, very, very sad.

[ugarte]

5. At least you were indoors without fighter jets roaring overhead...

I'm pretty sick of those theatrics before football games. I can't wait to see what demonstration of killing power they've got planned for the Super Bowl.

[htuttle]

6. I can only stand to listen to Jimi's version

It's the only one that captures the rage of betrayal I feel when I think about what's happened to this country.

[Vinnie From Indy]

7. A CLASSIC!

jimi rocks!

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. The BEST rendition....EVER!

Jimi's is one I could listen to.:)

[JuniperLea]

14. They should play Jimi's version at the Superbowl for the Hawks

He's a Seattle Homie, after all.

[hobbit709]

16. Back in 1971

when I was in the Air Farce one day we called the local FM station to play it at % o'clock when the base PA system played it at retreat. we all put our speakers in the windows of the barracks and turned the volume up to 10. you couldn't hear the official version over our. The lifers were all bent out of shape. They got even more bent when we asked them why they were criticizing the national anthem.

[uncle ray]

65. these stories are making me

want to break out into a dramatic air guitar version of Jimi's version of the anthem the next time the official version is played!}(

[leatherfeather]

47. Yes Jimi's version kicked ass.

I won't stand or sing it now with this gang running what is supposed to be OUR country.

I defy any RW asswipe to say something to me about it. This Lesbian will kick thier ass then sit back down till its over.

[Divernan]

8. At recent Big Ten basketball game, fans were not singing along.

Penn State had a 4 person(3 men and a woman) ROTC color guard march the colors onto the floor and then the anthem was played. The fans were largely silent, as opposed to the usual large numbers of people singing along off key. I looked at those young people in uniform and wondered where they'd be stationed and which of them would be killed or crippled in the furtherance of Bush's oil-driven wars. I also used to tear up at the anthem and God Bless America. Now I just feel sick at heart and mourn the loss of our country's values, goals and way of life.

[BoneDaddy]

11. I can definately relate

I work in a school and every morning we are "forced" to say the Pledge of Alligience. Back when I had some pride regarding being an American I would participate in the pledge with some gusto, now I find it empty and meaningless, some collection of impotent words with no real relationship to what is occuring in this country.

There is a right wing woman I work with who, like some kindergarten child who just proudly learned the words, stands up, hand over heart and loudly says the pledge like a good sheep should. It makes me sick.

[On the Road]

18. "Some Collection of Impotent Words..."

Next time you have the opportunity, you can add some spice by saying along with everyone else this much improved collection of impotent words:

"I plead alignment with the flakes
Of the unititled snakes of a merry cow,
And to the Republicans for which they scam,
One nacho, underpants,
With licorice and jugs of wine for owls."


courtesy of Matt Groening

[PaganPreacher]

44. Now, THAT was good!

I had to say it out loud, twice!

Did you write that?

The Pagan Preacher
I don't turn the other cheek.

[On the Road]

74. I Can't Take Credit for It

It was a cartoon in the "Life is Hell" series by Matt Groening, before he invented the Simpsons. It was spoken by Bongo, a one-earned mutant little rabbit. It's very dark but quite funny.

I believe Groening had a number of these fake pledge of allegiances.



http://www.thesimpsons.website.pl/info/historia/lifeinhell.html (scroll down for samples)

[PaganPreacher]

80. Sweet! I loved "Life is Hell"

That makes sense. I think Groening cut his comic teeth on "Life is Hell".

Cute Web site, too; seeing the old 'toons was fun. I'd like to read the rest, but I don't speak Polish. Calling all Polish translators! Don't make me use BabelFish!

The Pagan Preacher
I don't turn the other cheek.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Bridget Burke]

23. I ought to say "Welcome to DU"

But I can't relate.

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BoneDaddy]

26. You true colors show

I love the folks who call themselves patriot, christian or in this case virtue. Typically they act in ways that are the opposite of what their "names" really mean. IN this case, a lack of virtue.

No, I am not the janitor but thanks for asking. Not like being the janitor would be anything to be ashamed about as the school does need to be cleaned and maintained and it is a noble profession. You, on the other hand clearly show your class bound judgements and it is obvious that you meant to insult me by calling me a janitor.

Go back to your realm of cognitive dissonance and denial of reality.

[tinymontgomery]

32. Yes schools need janitors

Because the nice repug kids treat it like a pig sty, throw trash on the deck, spit on the walls, etc, you know the kind, the ones that the parents come in to school to complain about you and how your mistreating their nice christian kid who can't do anything wrong.

[in_cog_ni_to]

24. Did you know it's ILLEGAL for them to FORCE you to say the Pledge?

This is what I sent to the Superintendent of my son's school because his teacher TWICE embarrassed him for not standing for the Pledge. I sent a letter to the school and the ACLU. The ACLU will be sending a letter to my son's school to explain to them the teacher has broken the law and the teacher MUST STOP forcing children to say the pledge. The Attorney from the ACLU told me they (the ACLU) takes this issue VERY SERIOUSLY. Here's the case law given to me by one of our WONDERFUL DU members:
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=...

[BoneDaddy]

28. Thanks

but I am aware of the illegality of forcing people to say the pledge, that is why I put it in quotes. The forcing is more of a social push to join in the ritual.

I love America and have no problem pledging, it is the current amerika I struggle with.

[Rabrrrrrr]

30. I bet she's a Super Christian, too, who totally fails to see the idolatry

of pledging allegiance to a flag.

It's no different than Ahab setting up shrines and worshipping Ba'al.

[izzybeans]

12. Just remember you know what it means.

The sacrafice and glory of those who fought in the revolution. Don't let them trample the meaning for you.

Seriously, it has a meaning far beyond the oxymoronic "imperialist march of freedom". Don't ever forget that and be proud that others of us out their believe the same thing. Maybe those around you hear the "Banner" and think Daryl Woolery, but some of them probably do not.

[htuttle]

20. The SSB is not about the revolution

It's about the War of 1812, our first elective military misadventure.

[izzybeans]

39. Go ahead and ruin my elementary school illusion

why don't ya.

;)

[calico1]

13. I never cared for the Star Spangled Banner.

Never gave me chills, broke me up or anything like that. Now, America the Beautiful, sung by Ray Charles is another story!

[janx]

37. America the Beautiful should have been our national anthem.

Even though the tune is that of God Save the Queen, the history of ATB is very poignant. It was inspired by a view from Pikes Peak, a view so breathtaking that it moves people to tears.

[Flying Dream Blues]

42. I thought it was My Country Tis of Thee that was God Save the Queen?

Anyway, I agree that American the Beautiful is a great song.

[truth2power]

50. I think the tune is "Materna".

[JuniperLea]

15. I still sing it, put my hand over my heart, etc.

As a tribute to the America I love and hold dearly. You know, the one we used to have. And I still cry. It's called grieving.

[M155Y_A1CH]

17. Still break up over it

I never could sing it both because of the musical range
as well as my own emotional wavering.

My emotions have changed quite a bit but I am still
overwhelmingly moved.

When I was young and impressionable I cried with love and hope.
Now I cry in disappointment and solemn acknowledgement.

[no_hypocrisy]

21. Same thing happened to me, singing "This Land Is Your Land",

knowing it isn't true any longer.

[gauguin57]

33. Well, I think Woody wrote "TLIYL" to REMIND us it IS ours, when we fear...

... that it's not. Like we all feel today.

When I hear it, I use it to REMIND myself that, no matter what some fascist dictator warmonger tries to do, this land IS my land and yours. To remind myself that I have the RIGHT to stand up for what this country is supposed to stand for.

And, remember ... the last two verses (after the "pretty scenery verses") are:

As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there
And that sign said - no tress passin'
But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!
Now that side was made for you and me!

Chorus

In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple
Near the relief office - I see my people
And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'
If this land's still made for you and me.

[Vidar]

22. Yes

[0007]

27. Yes!

[w8liftinglady]

29. I was at a High school basketball game last night=

had the same feeling...came to tears,thinking this has all been wasted-all this sacrifice-so that a few can be rich.

[NinetySix]

31. I'm still a US citizen, but

I don't often get to hear the Star Spangled Banner, living as I do in Canada. I never cared for it as much as America, The Beautiful, which does bring tears to my eyes. I think it should rather be the National Anthem, since it extolls the country we love rather than describing a violent military attack. Just my opinion.

But for the record, I do get a visceral reaction to O Canada. And after it plays, I often think of the ironic final lines of the SSB: "O'er the Land of the Free / And the Home of the Brave." Why do I feel freer in Canada than I ever did in the US?

[Imajika]

34. Nope...

I love hearing the Star Spangled Banner, it still sometimes chokes me up with pride.

"(before I learned how bad this freakin' country is)"

Example 1 of why the leftism often favored on DU has zero chance of appealing to anything close to a majority of Americans. Most Americans don't think the US is "freakin'" bad and neither do I.

"ANGRY BEYOND BELIEF! I WAS PISSED THAT THEY PLAYED IT. PISSED THAT I HAD TO LISTEN TO IT AND PISSED THAT THE SHEEPLE STOOD THERE WITH THEIR HANDS ON THEIR HEARTS as if this country is something to be proud of"

Example 2 of why the leftism often favored on DU has zero chance of appealing to anything close to a majority of Americans. Most Americans have no problem putting their hands on their hearts during the Anthem and most Americans are infact quite proud of America - including myself and pretty much everyone I know.

"AND PISSED THAT THE SHEEPLE STOOD THERE"

Example 3 of why the leftism often favored on DU has zero chance of appealing to anything close to a majority of Americans. Calling your fellow citizens "sheeple" is condescending and elitist. Your so smart, and the majority of Americans are so dumb and ignorant eh'? The majority of Americans will just think your a jerk for holding such an elitist opinion and your sure as hell not gonna change anyone's mind or influence people by referring to them as "sheeple".

Honestly, if you've really reached a point where you think America is that "freakin' bad" and you become so viscerally pissed off at hearing the national anthem, you might want to consider someplace new to live. Up to you ofcourse, but if I felt that way I would go to a country I didn't hate so much made up a population I didn't look down on.

Imajika

[in_cog_ni_to]

45. Geezus. yesterday I was called a LOONY LEFTY by a DUer and today

I'm to told perhaps I should leave my country. Reminds me of the Vietnam Days..."Love it or leave it." :eyes:

Suggested reading for you: "Confessions Of An Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins.

After you read that book, come back and tell me how much you love this country. K?

[jonnyblitz]

55. I feel the same as you. false pride in a country that behaves

badly is arrogant beyond belief and why the rest of the world hates us."the ugly american." don't let the jingoists get to you. I served 10 years in the navy and they can shove it. I just bought the book you mention and will read it soon.

[in_cog_ni_to]

66. Thank you jonnyblitz.

:hug: If you think ill of this country now, just wait until you read "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man"...OMG. I hang my head in shame.:(

[janx]

35. Hey, at least it wasn't GOD BLESS AMERICA...(again)...n/t

[SaveElmer]

36. Sorry I do not have that response at all...

As bad as things are now, this country has endured far worse, and always come out the other side stronger. I have my doubts about the anthem as a piece of music ( I prefer America the Beautiful), but I still enjoy the message.

[Yollam]

38. I've never been a fan of the SSB.

It's too difficult to sing, and it's far too warlike.

I've always preferred "America the Beautiful" and "This Land is My Land" (The unabridged version).


But SSB is far better than the dreadful "God Bless the USA".

[adigal]

40. I loved Ray Charles when he sang

"America." It still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it.

Otherwise, I get angry because of how the right have co-opted patriotism and made it synonymous with American aggression.

[kineneb]

41. cheer up, just think of the original words and giggle

I always sing the last line to the original words...seems appropriate these days...enjoy this jolly old English drinking song...

TO ANACREON IN HEAVEN
(Ralph Tomlinson, John Stafford Smith)

To Anacreon in Heav'n, where he sat in full glee
A few sons of Harmony seny a petition,
That he their inspirer and patron would be,
When this answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian:
Voice, fiddle and flute,
No longer be mute.
I'll lend you my name, and inspire you to boot...
And, besides, I'll intruct you, like me, to entwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' vine.

The news to Olympus immediately flew,
Where Old Thunder decided to give himself airs.
"If we suffer these mortals their schemes to pursue,
There's Devil a goddess will stay above stairs."
Hark! Already they cry
In transports of joy,
"A fig for Parnassus, to Rowley's we'll fly!
And there, my good fellows, we'll learn to entwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' vine."

The yellow-hair'd god, and his nine fusty maids,
To the hill of old Lud will incontinent flee.
Idalia will boast but of tenantless shades
And the biforked hill a mere desert will be.
My thunder, no fear on't
Will soon do its errand,
And damme!, I'll swinge the ringleaders I warrant,
I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to twine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' cine.

Apollo rose up; and said prithee ne'er quarrel
Good king of the gods with thy vot'ries below!
Your thunder is useless---then, shewing his laurel
Cry'd "Sic evitable fulmen, you know.
Then over each head
My laurels I'll spread,
So my sons from your crackers no mischief shall dread,
Whilst snug in their club-room, they jovially twine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' vine."

Next Momus got up, with his risible phiz
And swore with Apollo he'd cheerfully join.
The full tide of harmony still shall be his
But the song, and the catch and the laugh shall be mine.
Then, Jove be not jealous
Of these honest fellows,
Cry'd ove, "We relent, since the truth you now tell us
And swear, by old Styx, that they long shall entwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' vine.

Ye sons of Anacreon, then join hand in hand
Preserve unanimity, friends and love.
'Tis your's to support what's so happily plann'd
You've the sanction of gods, and the fiat of love.
While thus we agree
Our toast, let it be
May our club flourish happy, united and free!
And long may the sons of Anacreon entwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' vine.


Note: words 1770, set to music by Smith 1771.

[TriMetFan]

43. NO! Our National Anthem doesn't make me Angry!

If anything when I hear the song and sing it, it makes me want to fight even harder to get her back from those Nazi-Rapebulicans! I'm sorry but none of us should feel that we should be angry or pissed at our Anthem. You should be pissed at the Nazi-Rapebulicans. Fight to get our beloved Nation back. I said before, just hours after the 2004 steal-election. To get America back we will have to take back everything. Starting with the lowest post. Dog Catcher if we have too.

[mmonk]

46. It doesn't feel the same because I look at people around

me and see some I know are living an alternate reality. It bothers me when they scream wildly when it gets to land of the free. I start thinking about the assaults by the administration on the rights enumerated in the constitution + Bill of Rights. And then I remember that the family of Francis Scott Key have left because of what's been going on here. I end up being mad. I'd really rather be outside at the smoking section or something until gametime.

[guidod]

48. Yeah, every time I think of little kids

pledging their allegiance to a piece of cloth or pledging their allegiance to anything.

[fortyfeetunder]

51. I don't like it.

Three reasons why:

Singability. Most people can't sing the melody all the way in tune. I won't sing the melody -- I know my vocal limitations. I hum the bass line or something like that.

Lyrics: Isn't it time we promoted peace in our national anthem?

Music: Stolen drinking song to Anachreon in Heaven. But getting back to the singability, I bet if one is drinking, who gives a rip whether it's in tune or not?

[FreedomAngel82]

52. Now I'm just sad

That song and "God Bless the USA." :(

[leatherfeather]

54. I am mad not sad.

Those songs do have meaning but for now they are hypocracy in action. This administration is not U.S.A. I just cannot bring myself to feel the love with this gang in power. That makes me MAD!!!

[Tigress DEM]

57. Hang in there!

I get mad and then overwhelmed and turn the anger inward by feeling helpless. Then I get depressed. Sometimes, like during Katrina, my heart just breaks knowing how cruel and evil this regime is.

I'm trying to figure out what I really can do that will help me channel some of my energy on these issues.

I saw a bumper sticker once that said, "God Bless EVERYONE, no exceptions" and so I take the "inclusive stance" that it's ok to Bless America, as long as we don't Damm everyone else in the process. I bought a car and inherited a bumper sticker that said, "God Bless America". It's right in the middle of my trunk, so I put my "Air America Radio" bumper sticker right under it. So it reads:

God Bless America
Air America Radio

My other bumper stickers say and ribbons say, "Support the Troops. Bring them home".

[Tigress DEM]

56. No but Bush's voice and Fox News make me want to throw things.

I hear him talking and I start cussing like a coal miner when half the mountain falls down around him.

I yell at the TV "informnewsials" and when my co-workers start telling me that things are a certain way and I know it isn't so, I have trouble with anger welling up inside of me.

The Star Spangled Banner or other older tunes don't bother me so much because I connect them to the past and I still love my country very much and want to remove these big fat ticks that are sucking our life blood out of US.

They don't deserve their offices because they cheated to get there. They are blocking every honest move that's being made to get America back on track, but that doesn't mean America is inherently bad.

You ever been to a Rodeo? Now I forget what exactly they wrap around the bull's testicles to make him see red and jump out of control.... but this administration is something like that, they are wrapped right around this country's vital parts and it's actually a natural response to be fully fighting pissed about being treated this way.

I just try very hard to keep my anger on the issues. It doesn't always work, but it gets me closer than I would be if I just gave into it blindly.

Use your anger. Go to a protest, write to one of the bozo's in office or a media outlet that is ignoring the truth and give em both pen barrels. It helps. It's the only thing I know that does.

[Dr Fate]

58. Solution: Woody Guthrie.

Chorus:
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California, to the New York Island
From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me

As I was walking a ribbon of highway
I saw above me an endless skyway
I saw below me a golden valley
This land was made for you and me

Chorus

I've roamed and rambled and I've followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
And all around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me

Chorus

The sun comes shining as I was strolling
The wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
The fog was lifting a voice come chanting
This land was made for you and me

Chorus

As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there
And that sign said - no tress passin'
But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!
Now that side was made for you and me!

Chorus

In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple
Near the relief office - I see my people
And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'
If this land's still made for you and me.

[azurnoir]

60. I'm a newbie here

and not sure if this is proper, but this thread was posted on a site called "Right Wing News" I linked to them via Daou (that is were I found DU also), first it would go without saying that they cherrypicked, edited, and maybe fabricated the comments they printed. However what was truly eyeopening was the hatred, and vitriol of the commenter's on this site a few advocated things such as disembowelment (as seen in Brave heart, guess this one didn't know what movie was about), rendering to N Korea, and other physical mutilation. If this is is what the GOP has devolved in to then folks we are in deep scat. The person running the site said that he was making a living off of this blog (which I took as "i'm on the RNC payroll"). If this is true, this site could be an advertisement as to why the repups should not be in power. After reading these comments I registered and posted the following at this point I don't know if it actually got added to the comments.

After reading through the comments here I truly must say I want every American (adult) to read these comments, they should see what loyal Americans have to say about those who don't support the war in Iraq, after all a majority of Americans support the war, don't they? Do you read polls? About 60% of America thinks we should get out Iraq Want proof google "polls" Zogby, Gallup, and a few others are available. Proof enough for you -really I don't give a rats ass, as I said in the beginning of my comment I want all American (adults) to read these comments I'm sure they will raise understanding of why some DU's don't feel this is their country anymore. But thanks for DUing our work for US.

Posted by crimsonlight at February 2, 2006 02:30 AM


sorry I meant this to be a reply to the original message

[PBass]

61. Ooh good, a wake-up call. Lets all get a grip.

The Star Spangled Banner does not equal I Love the Bush Government

You can love a lot of things about America (because there is a whole lot to love) and still curse the Far Right extremists who are running the federal government. You can still curse the injustice and intolerance too.

I think some of you are just tired and frustrated, maybe you need to get your batteries charged and get your heads back on straight. If you didn't love America you wouldn't think it was worth fighting for, and you wouldn't be so angry about the direction the country is going. The opposite of love is not hate, it's apathy.

Personally the pomp of the national anthem is a little too much for me, but I always stand out of respect... but I don't sing. I'm a bad singer.

(does this sound too nationalistic? it's not supposed to. I want to make this a better world, starting wih my own country)

[rucky]

62. Thanks for the heads-up...

it's a good thing that we don't care what they think!

[in_cog_ni_to]

67. You mean I'm famous now?

:7 Screw them. They will wake up one day when all their rights are gone and wonder what in the hell happened. Blind patriotism is a dangerous thing and that's exactly what we see from the repuke party.

[azurnoir]

70. Infamous

is more the word 167 or so comments worth, I'd take it as a compliment. Apparently some of the wrighty blogs have down right priapic about DU this week, could it be something has them scared?



BTW they did not publish my comment, oh well.

[in_cog_ni_to]

71. Infamous...

That is a compliment. I'm not surprised they didn't print your comment. They can't handle the truth.

[taps]

63. HELL NO IT DOESN'T OFFEND ME!

I have always been proud to stand with my hand on my heart when I hear the national anthem. I may not like the way this country is going, but I am proud to be an American. What makes me feel sick is when they play it and no one takes hat off or pays attention.
Maybe this comes from being a veteran but hearing TAPS or standing at the Viet Nam wall can bring tears to my eyes!

[cherokeeprogressive]

76. I'll stand with you, hat in hand, a tear in my eye

and I don't march in lockstep with anyone.

To me it's a testament to the sacrifice that people better than me have made so that I could have the opportunities I have today.

I might be angry and ashamed of my govt., but I'm NOT ashamed of my country, it's flag, OR it's National Anthem. Having also served, I stand proud each and every time it's played at an event I'm attending. I've attended plenty of hockey games when Canadian teams were playing here in the States and I stand at attention when Oh, Canada! is playing as well. Call it respect, I guess.

If the National Anthem is changed to whatever song the general public prefers, I'll stand for IT as well.

Peace.

[Joe Fields]

64. My wife, out of habit and a lifetime of social indoctrination

still stands and sings the anthem at public events. I, for many years now, have refused to stand. It embarrasses her, but she has long since quit nagging me about it.

[Laelth]

68. I am of the Schoolhouse Rock generation.

I feel uneasy with the Star-Spangled Banner, but the song that makes me cry these days is one of my Schoolhouse Rock favorites:

Preamble
Hey, do you know about the U.S.A.?
Do you know about the government?
Can you tell me about the Constitution?
Hey, learn about the U.S.A.

In 1787 I'm told
Our founding fathers did agree
To write a list of principles
For keepin' people free.

The U.S.A. was just startin' out.
A whole brand-new country.
And so our people spelled it out
The things that we should be.

And they put those principles down on paper and called it the Constitution, and it's been helping us run our country ever since then. The first part of the Constitution is called the preamble and tells what those founding fathers set out to do.

We the people,
In order to form a more perfect union,
Establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,
Provide for the common defense,
Promote the general welfare and
Secure the blessings of liberty
To ourselves and our posterity
Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

In 1787 I'm told
Our founding fathers all sat down
And wrote a list of principles
That's known the world around.

The U.S.A. was just starting out
A whole brand-new country.
And so our people spelled it out
They wanted a land of liberty.

And the Preamble goes like this:

We the people,
In order to form a more perfect union,
Establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,
Provide for the common defense,
Promote the general welfare and
Secure the blessings of liberty
To ourselves and our posterity
Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

For the United States of America...

Music & Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens
Performed by: Lynn Ahrens
Animation: George Cannata

I cry because it is this beautiful, elegant vision of self-governance that we are losing and for which so many fought to preserve.

-Laelth

[in_cog_ni_to]

72. We owned the entire Schoolhouse Rock library on video

when my son was younger. I grew up with it too. I LOVED it! My son did too.

I read that and want to weep for what we've lost.:cry:

[Laelth]

73. I own them on DVD.

I have 2 young children, both girls. They're quite fond of this one:

Sufferin' 'til Suffrage
(Yeah! Hurray!)

Now you have heard of Women's Rights,
And how we've tried to reach new heights.
If we're "all created equal"...
That's us too!

(Yeah!)

But you will proba ... bly not recall
That it's not been too ... too long at all,
Since we even had the right to
Cast a vote.

(Well!)

Well, sure, some men bowed down and called us "Mrs." (Yeah!)
Let us hang the wash out and wash the dishes, (Huh!)
But when the time rolled around to elect a president...

What did they say, Sister, (What did they say?)

They said, uh, "See ya later, alligator,
And don't forget my ... my mashed potatoes,
'Cause I'm going downtown to cast my vote for president."

Oh, we were suffering until suffrage,
Not a woman here could vote, no matter what age,
Then the 19th Amendment struck down that restrictive rule. (Oh yeah!)

And now we pull down on the lever,
Cast our ballots and we endeavor
To improve our country, state, county, town, and school.

(Tell 'em 'bout it!)

Those pilgrim women who ...
Who braved the boat
Could cook the turkey, but they ...
They could not vote.
Even Betsy Ross who sewed the flag was left behind that first election day.

(What a shame, Sisters!)

Then Susan B. Anthony (Yeah!) and Julia Howe,
(Lucretia!) Lucretia Mott, (and others!) they showed us how;
They carried signs and marched in lines
Until at long last the law was passed.

Oh, we were suffering until suffrage,
Not a woman here could vote, no matter what age,
Then the 19th Amendment struck down that restrictive rule. (Oh yeah!)

And now we pull down on the lever,
Cast our ballots and we endeavor
To improve our country, state, county, town, and school. (Right On! Right On!)

Yes the 19th Amendment
Struck down that restrictive rule. (Right On! Right On!)

Yes the 19th Amendment
Struck down that restrictive rule.
(Yeah, yeah!
Yeah, yeah!
Right on!
We got it now!

Since 1920...
Sisters, unite!
Vote on!

The younger one just likes the music, I think. The older of the two is starting to get a good grasp of gender differences in our society, and she's becoming aware that gender is political. I will always remember the puzzled look on her face when I told her that mommies weren't allowed to vote at one time. She was pleased to hear that her mommy can vote now, and pleased to know that she'd be able to do so later.

I wanted to stress the point that liberals had to fight (then as always) to make the world a better place. She didn't quite understand that, but she will, in time.

-Laelth

[derby378]

69. "To Anachreon in Heav'n, where he sat in full Glee..."

The tune itself was taken from an English drinking song.

The words reflect how I still feel about America.

I am not ashamed of our national anthem. I am only ashamed of our government.

Now dry your eyes and let's get to work taking back Congress.

[AtomicKitten]

75. The upcoming Olympics leaves a bad taste in mouth.

I am ashamed of the US at this particular moment in our history.

Our motto should be WE WILL CRUSH YOU

[Odin2005]

77. The problem with many of the possible anthem alternatives...

Is that they have references to God, and so making them the official anthem would violate the Establishment Clause and be offensive to atheists like myself.

[raccoon]

78. We need to change the national anthem to something

that fits our times.

I vote for "My Hometown" by Bruce Springsteen.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

79. I have the same sorts of feelings

Mostly now I'm just sad that the country as a whole is in such bad shape that I no longer even want to hear the national anthem.

I don't stand for the anthem, or during the Pledge of Allegiance. At sporting events, I sit during the national anthem, and I definitely don't put my hand over my heart. I never did, it reaked of cultish nationalism not unlike the nazi "salute".