previous post next post  

The Star Spangled Banner - A Reminder in History

By Denizens on June 12, 2009 | | Comments (10)
[A reminder by Castle Denizen: Boquisucio]


Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist Michael Kinsley requires a gentle reminder.

A reminder from an act of bravery that happened not more than a 50-Minute drive up on I-95, from where he so comfortably sits. You see, he deems our National Anthem to be an obsolete embarrassment were, and I quote:

"home of the brave" is empty bravado. There is nothing in the American myth (let alone reality) to suggest that we are braver than anyone else.

He goes on:

No, "The Star-Spangled Banner" has got to go. The only question is, What should replace it? Here we have an embarrassment of riches.

And finally concludes:

How about Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA"? A bit dark for a national anthem, I suppose. The Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts" (turned by Aaron Copland into a theme in "Appalachian Spring")? Have I left out your favorite? Nominations are welcome. Anything would be better than those "bombs bursting in air."

Well Mr. Kinsley, please take 10 Minutes of your precious time, and get yourself reacquainted with that which so many of us hold so dear.



 
And if that is not good enough for you, Mr. Kinsley just go down to Texas. For there’s a group of teenaged girls down there that can teach you a thing or two about respect for our nation.

BOQ

Share This Article:

Categories:

10 Comments

By J.M. Heinrichs on June 12, 2009 4:34 PM
 I would guess that Mr Kinsley is embarrassed by his own voice. He probably seldom sings in public as his suggestion of "Simple Gifts" could indicate.

Cheers
 
By BillT on June 13, 2009 7:03 AM
Mr. Kinsley should be more embarrassed by his lack of historical knowledge.

Unfortunately, he appears to be completely unaware that he lacks that knowledge...
 
By RoyK on June 13, 2009 7:25 AM
I followed the links to the comments section of the original article as was very pleased with the tone of most of the comments posted. Well written and, again, mostly very supportive of the Star Spangled Banner.
I might biased though. I really think I sing it well. Never had a complaint! Sober or otherwise.
Semper Fi,
RoyK

 
By Argent on June 13, 2009 9:58 AM
I hugely enjoyed Mr Quick's message and even learnt a few things out of it.
 
By Cricket on June 14, 2009 6:35 AM

Outstanding.  Seriously, when we got back to the USofA after being in Germany, the first glimpse I saw of the flag was enough to bring tears to my eyes.  It means home, safety, refuge and a standard.  It means we never retreat from doing what is right.  It means that someone is watching over my loved ones.  I will never see it as a symbol of shame or dishonor.  If others do, then they are invited to either leave, or never visit.  I extend that invitation to Mr. Kinsley, and to dis the National Anthem is to dis the flag and all it stands for.

A Spot of Trivia:  Our hymnbooks have all four verses in it, and we sing our National Anthem in our church services at least twice a year.  All four verses.  Standing.  I don't know about other congregations, but ours does.

 
By Cricket on June 14, 2009 6:38 AM
PS.  Happy Flag Day!
 
By Fishmugger on June 14, 2009 11:29 AM
In my life there have been some very moving and not so moving presentations of the National Anthem. Whitney Houston's performance upon the return of our troops from Gulf I, The Navy Chorus singing at Arlington, Dave Merrill at Yankee Stadium was memorable but the night of the first game after 911 when the whole crowd sung in full voice was outstanding. Jimmy Hendrix playing it on his guitar. And there are scores of others.

So no Mr. Kinsley we are not the home of the bravest, or the home of braver, we are just the home of the brave. And thank God for that, or you wouldn't have the free speech to spill your bullsh%t.
 
By MAJ Mike on June 14, 2009 4:18 PM
Soooooo, what's Kinsley done for the good of the Republic?  He's one who has benefited from the sacrifices of others without making any sort of contribution.  If really challenged, I suspect Mr. Kinsley would just curl up and die.

I refresh my optimism by working with my school's JROTC unit.  Great kids, great attitudes, really improves my hope for the future and , yes, they do sing the Star Spangeled Banner.
 
By Cricket on June 14, 2009 5:20 PM
Mr. Kinsley is not only an oxygen thief, he is adding to the greenhouse gases.
 
By CAVSCT on June 15, 2009 8:09 AM
If I remember correctly, our Nation was born in war and has not gone for any extended period of time without being involved in one. And like it or not, (in the words of George Carlin) "We are good at it!". Perhaps Mr. Kinsley needs a reminder that it is the Warrior (reguardless of Service Branch) that gives him the right to Freedom of Speech.
Without those "Rockets and Bombs" and the blood, sweat and tears of the "Free" and the "Brave", he would not be able to write his mealy mouthed liberal trash...
Let him walk in my boots or those of any of my Soldiers and he might well change his attitude.
And as for being an "embarrassment", I have never been embarrassed to be a Soldier of the most powerful nation on the planet. Humbled by the responsibility and the way others look to us for guidance, maybe, embarressed, never!