I have no problem -- NO PROBLEM -- with the military aspects of The Star Spangled Banner, which is one of the things about the song that drives so many liberals mad. I find the song inspiring, particularly when accompanied by visuals of uniformed military personnel and finished with a flyover.
But . . . every single time I hear Ray Charles' version of America, a tear comes to my eye and I say: that song -- America (the Beautiful) should be our National Anthem.
The problem with choosing one over the other is that the songs deal with different aspects of America that are equally important: The SSB is an in-your-face, this is the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave and Don't Tread on Me and Live Free or Die and we're even coming over there to Kick the Kaiser, kind of song. Frankly, that's the one I want to hear when the flag is raised at the Olympics.
America the Beautiful is about those quiet moments when you look around and see how truly blessed we are as a nation -- thanks, in great part, to those who serve our country with a Star Spangled Banner Attitude. That's the song I want to hear to open a school PTA meeting, or possibly even a baseball game.
Does America the Beautiful has some official status -- the official hymn or something? I seem to think it does, but can't find anything with a quick i'net search.
And even as a Southerner, at the risk of inflaming the Confederates in the Attic . . . I get all verklempt over The Battle Hymn of the Republic as well.
And even Yankees have to admit how pretty Dixie is.
See, now that's a song that'll get your blood up, that you can sing marching to battle. Unfortunately the lyrics aren't all that's needed in a national anthem. As a northerner, I'll reciprocate and say that "Bonnie Blue Flag" is pretty good, too.