Nice rational take on the Star Spangled Banner

http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/05/05/ed.col.dennis.0505.p1.php?section=opinion

Here in the land of the free and home of the brave, we might ask ourselves: How brave and how free are recent denunciations of "Nuestro Himno," the new Spanish-language version of the "Star-Spangled Banner"?

Yes, the controversy makes a mountain out of some molé, and perhaps we should just ignore it. But in the midst of our immigration reform debates, the massive demonstrations in the nation's streets and the celebration of one of our newest national fiestas, Cinco de Mayo, perhaps it's worth a deeper look.

The "Star-Spangled Banner" dates to the War of 1812, more a stalemate than a glorious victory, but a war nonetheless that confirmed the young country's independence and spurred nationalist feeling.

snip

"The Star-Spangled Banner" itself represents immigration, adaptation, creativity and transformation. Its words are poorly known, ambiguous, and often mangled, by singers who feel empowered to take liberties. Usually, Americans don't mind.

So, let's be brave and free of double standards. We need not feel threat- ened by a Spanish version of the national anthem, which can be regarded as an act of homage - an effort to embrace the nation and celebrate its endurance, its principles and its essential pluralism.

This entire "debate" about the Star Spangled Banner has been such a non-issue. It's a distraction.

This was the topic on morning drivetime radio; this p.m. it was Patrick Kennedy. Anything to keep from examining the real issues we face. Karl Rove is a happy man today. Time to get back to flag burning, too, boy howdy!

the English version.

"Bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there."

Just doesn't have the same meaning any more.