Should America change the National Anthem to "America the Beautiful"?

1. 60

   Jonesy0311posted 12 years ago

   Should America change the National Anthem to "America the Beautiful"?
   
   Professor Katharine Bates wrote this lovely song following a train ride to Colorado as homage to the many inspiring sights she witnessed along the way. Plus, the song is much more poetic than "The Star-Spangled Banner," which basically idolizes warfare.

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2. 59

   Derica6350posted 12 years ago

   we could because they are both great songs but i would require a big reason for the government to do so because not much changes of that sort have ever happened and it would require a massive petition, so i would say no.
   
   Any thing can happen

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3. 62

   JerryTillotsonposted 12 years ago

   As much as I like "The Star-Spangled Banner" for the feelings of nobility and bravery that it inspires, I have to agree that the lines "bombs bursting in air" and "rockets' red glare" send the wrong message to the people of other nations.  The impression the song leaves should not be the image we should be fostering in this day and age.  "America the Beautiful" is more suited to the philosophy of modern day international relations.

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4. 60

   Jonesy0311posted 12 years ago

   I had heard this idea mentioned before and Ralph Nader included it in his book, "Only the Super Rich Can Save Us." I thought it was a novel idea. If nothing else, it would get people involved and interested in politics for a brief second.

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5. 60

   brages07posted 12 years ago

   I wouldn't mind the change.  Earlier this summer I drove from New York to Oregon and saw many of those sights.  The pictures don't do them justice.  The awe-inspiring natural beauty of the West is what I would prefer people think about when they think of America.  Ultimately, I think we should focus on leaving Afghanistan and our other engagements in the Middle East, as well as creating an economy that works for everyone.  To me, patriotism has very little to do with flags and songs and is more about looking out for each other.

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   bethperryposted 12 years ago

   While I love "America the Beautiful" I like "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the National Anthem as it reflects the emotions of Francis Scott Key when he witnessed with his own eyes that the liberty so many fellow colonists had sacrificed and died for was indeed about to become reality. Even as this nation has never been perfect, we can still strive for perfection because of the freedom we have so far achieved. And so, I would choose to keep the anthem what it is.

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7. 0

   Old Empresarioposted 12 years ago

   KK Trainor; the Star Spangled Banner has nothing to do with the American Revolution. That song is about the War of 1812 and specifically the defense of Fort McHenry. In fact, when Francis Scott Key first wrote it, it was called "The Defense of Fort McHenry". Honestly, I don't feel the song glorifies war. But I do feel the song is totally out of context as a national anthem. I prefer America the Beautiful

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