[BBrules]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Various Points, not all of which may be universally accepted:
1. The National Anthem, such as it is, is best "presented", not "performed"
2. Any singer doing this in order to call attention to him/herself deserves to be sent to Guantanamo or somewhere
3. As cherished as our nation's anthem is, we really need to update it to something that really rocks. Canada's anthem, now that can get a crowd joining along, cranking it out at the tops of their lungs. "God Bless America" can offer that rousing spirit better than the time-worn tune of the national anthem we have before games today.
4. The pledge of allegiance, perhaps led by a local veteran, would be a more effective call to patriotism than the aged tune and lyrics of the National Anthem, as much as I cherish it personally.
5. Varsity girls' game last Friday had a harmonica player doing the anthem. Ho hum. I'm sure his parents are proud of his performance.
6. Only one school around here has fans who actually sing along. I recall when, at an away game, the CD player broke, but it didn't matter because the visiting fans from that school, singing at the tops of their voices just kept on singing. By that time, even the home fans joined in.
7. Sadly, for most people the national anthem is a time to review the league, conference, and state championship dates on the banners on the wall next to the flag.
8. I'm as American as they come, just observant enough to detect the obvious, that our national anthem needs some real help, and self-serving performers calling attention to themselves don't cut it. Here in the land across from Rut our state had a year-long "Attention for the National Anthem" project whereby the assembled crowd were specially invited to join in singing. No one really did.
9. Don't call me a commie for these opinions. Just stating what is obvious to many besides me.
10. Don't have a #10. Yes I do: If a performer seeks a stage for artistic individualism, let 'em get in line to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for WGN's seventh inning stretch at Wrigley Field.

I would agree with you on some of these things, #10 for example, and I think #6 is great. I don't agree that we need a National Anthem that 'rocks'. I think that 'God Bless America' is a great song and it would make a good National Anthem. However, I suspect that the reason our present anthem is only 'tolerated' by many is the lack of historical perspective, something I believe is not being taught in our schools today. Most people probably don't think about what was going on when Mr. Key wrote those words while standing on the deck of a British warship as it bombarded Ft. McHenry. They probably don't think about the prisoners below deck who asked throughout the night, "Is it still there? Is it still flying?" and the only way Mr. Key could tell was by the light provided by the bombs and rockets that were shredding his fellow countrymen. I frankly don't know how they held out. I've been in a rocket attack with 14 to 16 rockets and it seemed to go on forever. (I don't say this to brag. I was just a rabbit hiding in a hole hoping, praying it would end soon.) I can't imagine how they endured through 1500+ bombs and rockets. Our National Anthem was born in fire and blood. All other suggestions pale in comparison. No, I think the one we have now is just fine. May God bless our flag, the country it represents and those who serve under it.