Our national anthem became our National Anthem only in 1931, and the third verse does talk of hireling and slave but they were those employed by the British side. Francis Scott Key was in fact a slave owner. So were many of the people who signed the Constitution.
No one I know today would think of owning another human being. That was our history and it went along with the world's history. That was then, this is now. Laws are in place for people to make a go of it in this country regardless of race.
I have stood proudly for this song as long as I can remember, as a first grader, a girl scout leader and neice of veterans that fought in the second world war. For as long as I can remember I have put my hand over my heart and blinked back tears when the Star Spangled Banner was played.
Here is an argument that supports Coldnomore's view, but not mine. I am troubled by people who are encouraging division and I am afraid we might see another civil war.
Francis Scott Key Owned Slaves, Fought Abolitionists