Star Spangled Espanol

Ms. Cornelius expresses our thoughts on the controversy surrounding the Spanish version of The National Anthem so much better than we ourselves ever could:

Over at NPR they’ve got a very useful posting about the Spanish version of the Star Spangled Banner, which has aroused quite a bit of controversy. Created just in time for the big protests on Monday, this Spanish version begs the question: Is this an attempt to show how devoted illegal immigrants are to our country, or is it an attempt to co-opt the national anthem for the purpose of those who want full amnesty and an open border?

Now, first, let me say that I think it’s a bit embarrassing that our national anthem was set to the tune of a drinking song, and that it is practically unsingable. But be that as it may, I also am a purist about it, since I love my country and believe that it deserves the utmost honor. It personally makes me blanch every time I hear someone play fast and loose with the singing of this song, displaying their narcissistic vocal pyrotechnics when all we really need is to think about the duty and sacrifice and honor that is encumbent upon us as Americans. Just hit the notes, please, so we can concentrate on what’s really important. And by the way—it’s even worse when the singers forget the lyrics or mangle them in their focus on showing off their vocal chords.

As Ms. Cornelius goes on to point out, the Spanish version is not the same song as the English one, even though one might infer that from the song's title. Consider reading her whole post.

Even though we disagree with President Bush on many things, I agree with his sentiments when it comes to our National Anthem.

We lived in Mexico for a number of years, where I became fluent in Spanish. Both the WifeWonk and our daughter, the TeenWonk, were born there.

I could not even imagine American citizens (or anyone else, for that matter) being able to publicly display any foreign banner (especially an American one) in a parade or demonstration anywhere in Mexico without causing a riot and the active suppression of any such parade or display by the police.

But that's the difference between the freedom that we enjoy here in the United States vs. the insitutionally corrupt government that the Mexican People have been forced to endure for generations. In our America, folks can sing whatever songs or fly whatever flags that they wish.

And for the record, Mexican citizens are not permitted to legally purchase or otherwise own any type of firearm (or ammunition) unless they are wealthy and wield the type of influence needed to obtain a myriad of permits from both police and Mexican Army. It goes without saying that resident foreigners aren't allowed to legally possess firearms under any circumstances.

If Mexico was a democracy, its government would not fear having an armed citizenry. -----------------------------See our latest education-related entries right here.