Posted by Racer on July 5, 2000, at 2:21:17
This morning I had a very weird, weepy reaction to something. Figured I'd share with y'all... (anyone else would think I was nuts: you all know it for sure...)
My Domestic Partner (who's actually rather feral) is from way out of town, and we were discussing national anthems this morning at breakfast. His hometown anthem was changed some time in our lives, when they decided "God save the Queen" had really been done, after all...
At any rate, I made a stupid comment about our anthem, you know: the one not one person in a thousand can sing effectively? I read the lyrics out loud, and found myself weeping.
Somewhere along the way, someone created Americans as a group. We are all part of a noble social experiment, one which may not always be successful, but noble nonetheless. Think about it: this republic was conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
What a beautiful goal.
Even if we never manage to make it universally meaningful, isn't it nice to have something to strive for which is as enriching as that?
And if you want a feeling of overwhelming power, read Francis Scott Key's poem all the way through. What a powerful symbol our flag was for him, and through him.
Thanks for letting me tell you about it.
(And for anyone who's wondering: my NIC is dead, so I'm borrowing computer time when I can until the new card arrives.)
poster:Racer
thread:39411
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000630/msgs/39411.html