It's Not the Star Spangled Banner

It's called "Nuestro Himno" (Our Anthem). The lyrics have not officially been released, but early reports indicate that the lyric have been changed for more the linguistic and stylistic reasons. That means it is to a different song, with different words, sung to approximately the same tune, just like "To Anacreon in Heaven" is a different song than the "Star Spangled Banner".

What makes a song? It is the lyrics. There are numerous examples of songs with the same name and lyrics but using different tunes. Conversely there are many different songs, with different lyrics, that share the same tune. Just look through any hymnal.

I've got no problem with someone singing the Star Spangled Banner in Spanish, or any other language, as long as the lyrics are translated faithfully. Similarly, anyone is welcome to write a new song with different lyrics using the same tune as the Star Spangled Banner. That is all First Amendment-protected speech.

But, to change the meaning of the lyrics and try to claim it is still the Star Spangled Banner is fraudulent deception. People want a boycott, how about we start a boycott of any store that sells this deceptive song, and any radio station that plays it other than in jest. Now that would be a protest with some meaning.

Update: Finally got around to finding the lyrics here, at least to the first two verses. I noted that NPR has a translation about which there is some controversy. The article also seems to indicate that there are additional verses which will vary even further from the original. I stand by my comments: It ain't the U.S. National Anthem.

And I Was Born Here So I Actually Didn't Have To

I found this test via ChuBlogga via The Other Side of Kim. I'm only posting it because they gave me the code to do so.

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

Islamic Terrorism and Cowardice

Something has riled me enough to post.

First the event:

Suicide bombing kills 9 in Tel Aviv
Hamas defends attack that killed 9 in Israel

Then the reaction:

EU condemns Israel Bombing
Israel's leaders weigh response to bombing

And the results:

'Islamic terrorism' is too emotive a phrase, says EU
Israel Hits Back After Suicide Blast

Finally the analysis:

The EU condemns with words, but works to pacify terrorists and play nice with them on the side: "Do not speak ill of them or they may become offended." A pox on their cowardly house. History has shown that appeasement of aggressors never works. When that rooster comes home to roost I pray that we are not going to have to go over and drive it out, but I suspect we will.

On the other hand Israel's response is considered, but firm and to the point. "You bomb, you die." I am quite sure further bombing will result in escalating direct responses to the source of the problem. Bravo for them.

Hiatus

I'm sorry it's been almost a month since I posted anything. I've been busy and nothing has really piqued my interest enough to post about it. And frankly I don't see that changing forat least several weeks.

So I'm putting my blog on hiatus until mid-May. Readers (such as they are) should not expect any posts during this time, although I may make one or two if I get riled enough. I will also be looking at options for redoing, and maybe even rehosting, my blog. Stay tuned, and Thank you.