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Let's get one thing straight and be perfectly clear. I am nobody, just an average everyday guy. Joe the plumber, except my name ain't Joe. I am, however, a Vietnam Veteran. An R. A., for those unfamiliar with military jargon, "Regular Army", meaning I volunteered for the Army. I volunteered for service in Vietnam to battle the Communist threat in Southeast Asia. If I have to tell you, yes, I love America and am very traditional in my patriotism. I am an amateur musician; I understand music and musical terms and have a very acute appreciation for fine musicianship and vocal stylistic interpretation.
ALL THAT HAVING BEEN ESTABLISHED, HERE IS MY POINT: THERE IS NO PLACE IN SPORTS, MUSIC OR ANYWHERE IN LIFE THAT ALLOWS FOR STYLISING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, MUSICALLY NOR LYRICALLY. I AM DISGUSTED BY SO CALLED "ARTISTS" WHO TAKE INTERPRETIVE LIBERTIES WITH RENDERING PERFORMANCES OF OUR MOST REVERED OF MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS. THIS IS NOT A SONG THAT YOU MAY PLAY WITH, BEND NOTES, SLUR PHRASES OR MUSICALLY STYLIZE. THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IS AS REVERED AND SANCTIFIED AS THE STARS AND STRIPES THEMSELVES. THE U. S. FLAG CODE STIPULATES HOW THE FLAG MUST BE DISPLAYED! THESE RULES ARE EXPLICIT AND NOT OPEN TO INTERPRETATION. I FEEL THE SAME SHOULD BE TRUE FOR THE "STAR SPANGLED BANNER". I SEE RED WNENEVER SOME "CREATIVE ARTIST" DECIDES TO FOOL WITH LYRICS, METER, PHRASING, TEMPO, OR EMBELLISHMENT. WHEN YOU "TWIST" THE BEAUTY OF MY NATIONAL ANTHEM YOU DESPOIL IT, YOU DENIGRATE THE SACRIFICE MADE BY OUR FIGHTING MEN AND WOMEN, AND BRING SHAME ON YOURSELF. YOU ALSO OFFEND THE VETERANS WHO ARE IN ATTENDANCE. THERE IS NO REASON TO DO THIS. NONE!
But that's my opinion and I have offered my life in battle for the right to hold my beliefs and to express them. Thanks for reading, and if you are honored to be asked to perform the National Anthem, think about what I have said and consider showing proper respect.
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