Someone sent me an e-mail regarding "Obama's plan to change the national anthem." Reading it took a minute. Realizing it was either a lie or a joke took about 10 seconds. Proving it was both took about 1 minute. The e-mail:
Hot on the heels of his explanation for why he no longer wears a flag pin, presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama was forced to explain why he doesn’t follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.
According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171, During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
“As I’ve said about the flag pin, I don’t want to be perceived as taking sides,” Obama said. “There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.’ If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.”
It is very obvious that the article is a spoof. All it take is a moment's worth of reading the articles. Or you could just look at the column's name: JOHN SEMMENS: Semi-News -- A Satirical Look at Recent News
But some would rather swallow a lie than supports their beliefs than spend a moment to look for the truth. -------- Note: This is the second time I received this e-mail. I thought I posted about it before, but I didn't see it on a very quick look. If I missed seeing it, and am posting about it again, I apologize.
Posts: 16199 | Location: Lincoln Place, Granite City, IL, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
I would support changing the national anthem. I believe it should be "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" because the last two words of our current national anthem would sound much more natural on the end of that song.
(For those of you who don't know, the last 2 words of "The Star Spangled Banner" are "Play ball!" They're the only 2 words the whole crowd is ever certain of.)
Posts: 1193 | Location: A danger to this country and the free world | Registered: 03-18-04
<--- raising hand, "Guilty. I took the bait on this one."
That surprise me because I am always checking rogue e-mails for my mom and should have immediately recognized this one. Of all people, gat straightened me out.
And Raku, "Play ball" are the only words in the National Anthem I shout on key.
Posts: 7507 | Location: in the backwoods of North Carolina | Registered: 06-07-02
Actually, I would much prefer "America the Beautiful" as our national anthem. It speaks more to our country and what it offers us. Hearing Ray Charles sing it still brings tears to my eyes.
It's my impression that people today take everything literally, which neutralizes satire. Swift, Ambrose Bierce, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, and others were great satirists. I wonder if the bulk of readers today are even capable of appreciating them.
