The National Anthem More Than A Song by Dr Ada M Fisher

Dr Ada M Fisher

On September 13, 1914 from his perch in Maryland, Francis Scott Key in observing the bombing of the British upon Baltimore’s Ft. McHenry in the War of 1812, penned the words "Defence of Fort M'Henrys”.   This popular patriotic lyric paired with a English drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven"  was a rallying cry which would become our National Anthem entitled, the Star Spangled Banner.   In 1889 the US  Navy  recognized  The Star Spangled Banner, which was later adopted by a resolution of the US Congress  on  March 3, 1931 as our National Anthem. 

The dissension leading to the war of 1812 ironically stemmed from the British Navy’s practice of impressment - - the taking of people into their navy or service of the British government by force or compulsion against their will.  It had little to do with conditions in this nation but the freedoms sought by the USA from those nations imposing trade rules or practices which skimmed the best from this country.  My all black high school class of 1966 witnessed approximately 10% of its young men drafted for the Vietnam War and most of them served brilliantly in a cause unpopular with many at home.  I stand and salute these brave souls who served at their nation's beck and call.

It is sheer folly that Colin Kaepernick in refusing to stand for the National Anthem sites his displeasure with the treatment of people  of color resulting in persistent inequities.  Yet, his persistent unemployment in football speaks volumes to all those posturing on the sidelines as they take their huge paychecks home and seemingly do little to help the less fortunate while proclaiming their support.  Talk is cheap from the professional athletic leagues which kidnap television and other media  outlets  for revenue, to fill their viewing slots.  Cities which fund stadiums do not have adequate assurances  of reimbursements which could have been used to help the less fortunate while billionaire owners  to a large extent get off skimming citizen's revenue tax free. No player is worth $20 million plus per year playing a ball game with so few contributing  wealth to their communities with exceptions like a Magic Johnson in his entrepreneurial  Magic Theaters or LeBron James’ 42 million dollars for scholarships to the youth of his hometown Akron, Ohio.  But what has professional athletics done to stem the tide of substance abuse or violence against women by its member athletes who act as their slaves.  Usurping Sunday and replacing religious worship with the pleasures of sporting events has become but a knife in the heart of our moral solidarity, motivating some religiously inclined to act.

We should have these conversations about societal disparities; however the government can not solve the problems.  Individuals,  businesses and organizations  must  step to the plate protecting constitutional mandates.  Love him or hate him, refusal of an opportunity to ask for a conversation with the President of the  United States, if his invitation to the White House is genuine would be most appropriate.  Demeaning the current and other Presidents regardless of ones side of the aisle belittles this nation’s government.  The President  in not honoring traditions without  interjecting caustic  poison pills does little to foster a united nation. The invective's calling one out of ones name is never publicly appropriate  when directed at this nation's citizens -- this is behavior unbecoming of our President.                       

Alejandro Villanuella, a Pittsburgh Steeler who is a graduate of West Point and served  as a Ranger in Afghanistan, came out of the tunnel  to be counted during the National  Anthem while others remained undercover thereby not publically counted.  He showed what it is to have “skin in the game” on and off the field  by taking a stand. The right to peacefully protest is a given in this nation and should not be demeaned.  Likewise employers have a right to dictate conduct if you represent their organization.   

The three criteria needed to run for the presidency include being a natural born citizen, a resident of 14 years and at least 35 years old, all of which Donald J. Trump possesses.  He is the president so get over that.  The Republican Party must be charged, as should those who voted for Trump, to elevate his game in reflecting the American Greatness he espouses. 

The National Anthem’s 3^rd and 4th verses say much:
             A home and a country should leave us no more!, , ,    
             And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
             O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand . . .
     Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

_{Ada M. Fisher, MD, MPH is a licensed teacher; former county school board member;  gifted  speaker; retired physician; former Medical Director in a Fortune 500 company; author of Common Sense Conservative Prescriptions Good for What Ails Us Book 1 (available through Amazon.com) and is the NC Republican National Committeewoman.}