John W. Lillpop

As a lad growing up in the Midwest, I always considered the Star Spangled Banner to be a non-partisan, non-political, non-religious, non-racial expression of appreciation for the travails that our forefathers endured in order to win the freedoms and liberties that all Americans now enjoy.

Red, white, and blue were the only colors that mattered back then.

As a result, I never imagined that our national anthem could be manipulated, willy-nilly, as a bully pulpit to promote the personal views of the singer.

However, that is exactly what happened in Denver recently when jazz singer Rene Marie decided, unilaterally, not to perform the Star Spangled Banner, as scheduled.

Rather, Marie treated her unsuspecting audience to a surprise rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” commonly known as the Black National Anthem.

She defended her decision with these words:

“I want to express how I feel about living in the United States as a black woman, as a black person.” *

Hmmmm. Perhaps Marie should write a book, or pen a letter to the editor of her hometown newspaper? Or why not spend an afternoon on the Oprah Show to swap racism horror stories with America’s most abused and oppressed billionaire?

Alternatively, perhaps Marie should volunteer for the Barack Obama presidential campaign?

She would be perfect to make sure that Obama never wears his Old Glory lapel pin and always keeps his right hand at his side, rather than over his heart, at ceremonies where the Star Spangled Banner and Pledge of Allegiance are featured.

One thing is very clear: Marie needs to understand that sabotaging the Star Spangled Banner is exceptionally rude and unpatriotic!

Still, Marie may have inadvertently provided a glimpse into a frightening future:

Namely, should America’s unhealthy obsession with multiculturalism and diversity prevail over common sense, the day may come when separate anthems are recited for Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics, and blacks,

Time permitting, there could even be a rendering of the traditional Star Spangled Banner.

For “old school” white folk, of course.