Hate mail!

My Under 30 column on the national anthem didn't generate as much hate mail as a lot of people thought. (One person suggested half-jokingly that I might be shot. Nope, still here!) I always put faith in the senses of humor of P-C readers, and they rewarded me again. Thanks!

For the record, I am very patriotic. That's no joke. I love America. And I think it's the best place country in the world. For all of our faults (and there are many), Americans are generally generous, open-hearted people. There's a reason why the world turns to us (as opposed to, say, Europe) when something bad needs taken care of. (Nazis, terrorists, killer asteroids, etc.) The problem with patriotism is the biggest pro-America people promote the wrong things. Instead of talking up the Bill of Rights and all the brilliant art and culture we have spawned, it's all flags and ribbons and nationalism. Ugh.

Anyway, I got off track. Who wants to read some unintentionally hilarious hate mail?

Hate mail no. 1:

Steven Hyden is not a good representation of a 20 something's life. His article on the Star Spangled bannor is appauling. I am in my mid 20's and personally get chills when I hear the anthem sung prior to sporting events. Steve would like to change it to some rock songs. Steve you weren't even born when some of these songs were written let alone played, other than classic rock channels. Your a disgrace to the country, how can you say it shouldn't be in English, in case you missed it, you make your living on the English language. In closing your reference to Americans getting the "hottest chics" explains to me what type of person you are.

Hate mail no. 2:

How dare you impune the words of Francis Scott Key. If you really want to re write our Anthem, then talk to Francis and see if objects. At this point in time that is impossible, and I know that. However, our National Anthem was adopted by the People's voice, all be it through the vote of congress. Too bad you were not with the author of our Anthem at the time it was penned. Too bad you were not a prisoner of war with the slight hope of remaining alive at the sight of your colors. Mr. Hyden you need to be ashamed of yourself. Our National Anthem was and is not meant to inspire the air guitar. It was written from the heart of a man facing execution. If the flag was still waving at the gleaming of the dawn then he lived, and if the enemy had overtaken our position then he would die. The National Anthem was written to inspire reverence and holiness. To evoke a sincere feeling of awe and respect not only for this nation but for the colors represented by it. I suggest you tell the men who fought upon Mt. Siribachi the the National Anthem is a bad song. Or the men who walked out of the Ashaw Valley on foot that the National Anthem is a bad song. You tell the men who died at Laitu that the National Anthem is a bad song. Please tell the men on the 38th parallel that the National Anthem is a bad song. When you have their permission to change the words of the National Anthem, then, and only then will I support your cause.