I don’t care what anyone sings, nor in what language they sing it.
But apparently, the other day, Bush said that the National Anthem should only be sung in English.
I think the national anthem ought to be sung in English, and I think people who want to be a citizen of this country ought to learn English and they ought to learn to sing the national anthem in English.
Think Progress notes that Bush has, er, “changed his tune” since 2000:
[…]in his book American Dynasty, Kevin Phillips notes that during Bush’s first presidential campaign, he would often sing the national anthem in Spanish.
Dear all you people who suddenly care about the language. If you voted for Bush, I guess you weren’t paying attention. As I said above, I couldn’t care less about this silly singing business. But the hypocrisy is pretty… what’s the word I’m looking for?… Surprising? No. Shocking? No. Typical? Yeah — that’s the one.
Posted by James at May 2, 2006 3:19 PMIsn't that part about Jose in Spanish already?
Posted by: Mike L. at May 2, 2006 9:42 PMAh, the president: a study in contradictions.
I have to say, though, that I do believe the national anthem should be sung in English. If I moved to France, I wouldn't expect the national anthem of France to be sung in English.
That having been said, I'd prefer the president get busy with other more pressing issues.
Posted by: Patti M. at May 3, 2006 8:34 AMYa know for a guy who slaughters the English language on a regular basis...
Posted by: Chuck S. at May 3, 2006 10:59 AMI don't know that I want him to turn his attention to those 'more pressing issues'. Things are screwed up enough without his help.
Posted by: briwei at May 3, 2006 10:59 AMPatti - except French is actually the national language of France. The U.S. is like Switzerland - we have many languages spoken here.
Personally, I think the conservatives should be overjoyed that folks want to do the flag-waving ra-ra bullshit, even if its in another language. I'm surprised this is even an issue.
Posted by: DG at May 3, 2006 11:00 AMLord, please, please, get this imbecile impeached. The fact that he is still in office makes me suspect that my countries fail safes have been destroyed.
Read this http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/04/30/bush_challenges_hundreds_of_laws/
it's an article discussing the hundred - yes HUNDREDS - of laws that our president has decided just don't apply to him because he's president.
"President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution."
His administration is the indication that the US is now a dying nation. I seriously feel so little hope for us.
So, seriously. Impeach him. Someone do something.
Rui
Posted by: Rui at May 3, 2006 3:03 PMI can't believe it is an issue either. While I don't believe it is a conspiracy, I believe news stories like this are distractions perpetrated by people on both extremes of the issue.
And, sing the National Anthem in Klingon if you like. I couldn't care less. When did language trump sentiment? If you love the country, you love the country.
It owuld be ridiculous to insist that people not sing the anthem translated into whatever tongue they are most familiar, including sign language.
I can't agree with the opinion that there is a language in which it "should be" sung. If anything, this country of immigrants should sing in many languages.
IT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS!!!!! ;)
The resurgence of this issue tells me that the people who have been betrayed by their president (that's all of us, folks, but especially those disillusioned after voting for the putz) are looking for scapegoat issues.
Posted by: James at May 3, 2006 3:27 PMYou realize, of course, the mere fact that we're discussing this instead of the ~750 laws the president is evading is a "win" for Bushco.
If you missed the story to which Rui refers, please take a moment right now and read it. America is asleep at the switch and/or being distracted from the real issues!
This national anthem dust-up is yet another case of "look over here while I do this underhanded thing."
Distractions, distractions.
Posted by: Patti M. at May 4, 2006 11:13 AM