[Conscience of a Conservative]

I see your point. But, English or not, keep in mind that they were singing an American, patriotic song. The fact that they were singing in their native language does not, to me, seem like a rejection of American culture, nor is it unique to the current wave of immigrants - historically the pattern has been that (1) first generation immigrants have largely spoken their native tongue, picking up a bit of English; (2) second-generation immigrants speak English in public and the native tongue at home; and (3) third-generation speaks mostly English, retaining just a bit of the mother tongue.

[Sideshow Bob]

...first generation immigrants have largely spoken their native tongue, picking up a bit of English; (2) second-generation immigrants speak English in public and the native tongue at home; and (3) third-generation speaks mostly English, retaining just a bit of the mother tongue.

Your pattern is only used by 3rd world immigrants. Immigrants from Europe and East Asia work hard to speak English and assimilate within the first generation. I'm 1st generation born in this country (German WWII refugees). My grandparents did everything they could to learn English and become US citizens ASAP. My mother's English is so perfectly pronounced she sounds Canadian. And my parents demanded perfect grades from their children.

That is NOT happening with the 3rd world immigrants America is swamped with today. Instead America lowers its standards to their levels - including the debasement of "America the Beautiful." I would rather have heard those ethnic groups sing the song in English with whatever latent accent they possess!

Shame on Coca-Cola!!!

[TalBlack]

“But, English or not, keep in mind that they were singing an American, patriotic song.”

Then why didn’t the sing it in heavily accented but gamely attempted English?