[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

How sad that the attempt to justify The Star Spangled Banner as a racist song is based on one word (which ignores the accompanying word "hireling", which would include anyone who had to work for a living) one word in one sentence in the third verse of a song, taken out of context. How sad indeed.
The Star Spangled Banner is a difficult song to sing. The third verse is almost never sung , only the first verse. So, why not keep the song and, officially strike the questionable third verse? Since the rest of the world recognizes the melody as our anthem, it is easiest solution, imho.
Truth be known, I have always thought America The Beautiful was a better song. However, I never considered changing the national anthem just because I thought there might have been better choices.
I lived through the Watts riots, the era of Equal Opportunity that required quotas in school admissions and hiring regardless of qualification. I thought advancement in race relations was moving forward in the same way that immigrant language skills advance with greater exposure to others. Now, it seems I was wrong.
I am reminded of a movie from 1969, "Putney Swope", that reminds me a lot like what is going on now. For those unfamiliar with the movie, a brief description follows.
A major ad firm has one "token" black man on the board of directors. The chairman dies. The vote for the new chairman does not go as expected. Unable to vote for themselves, each member decides to secretly cast a token vote for Putney Swope. New chairman Putney addresses the board stating "I won't rock the boat, I intend to tip the boat over". All the whites are fired except one "token" white. Chaos ensues until the business goes up in flames at the hands of Putney's more radical followers.
Sounds kind of like what is going on now. An attempt to "turn the boat over".
I am 100% in favor of fair and equal and respectful treatment for all. But it must apply to everyone or it applies to no one. Change should be peaceful and lawful and with respect from all sides. Violence causes the divide to worsen.
Someone said "follow the money". Beyond me.. Who is funding the violence and the destruction of history? BLM, Russia, China, the Taliban, some other group? I don't know.

Stay well. Stay safe. Peace!

I vote----Russia.