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David Levine's avatar

yeah, me too. but RC's cover ALWAYS does that to me. as far as I'm concerned, it's the de facto National Anthem. not unlike "Jerusalem" in the UK (that also always makes me cry, but that's because I'm a born English major).

it's BEEN time to retire the really shitty "Star-Spangled Banner." I love the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," but it's a fucking BATTLE HYMN. I know a lot of folks like "This Land is Your Land," but I realize it's a little Leftie for all those "Conservatives" we'd like to be "the loyal opposition." and let's face it: it's not as pretty as "America the Beautiful."

and nobody asked me anyway.

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TCinLA's avatar

Had the American leader of he US Olympic Team at the 1896 first modern Olympics followed the suggestion of the Greek bandmaster that they use America the Beautiful to celebrate an American victory (since at the time we did not have a national anthem), which the bandmaster liked and could play well, we might have ATB for our anthem. When the decision was made, the fact the Star Spangled Banner had been used at the first modern Olympics (where we cleaned up like we never did again), was a strong argument in favor and ultimately won the day.

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Norman Carlisle's avatar

I understand. I think. Of course, there is that little problem with This Land is Your Land…my land”. Some may take issue with the implied assumption there 😊

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David Levine's avatar

you're right, of course. it's funny that it hadn't occurred to me.

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