Text Size:
A|
A|
A
Email
PrintOur anthem is about our invaluable freedom
Regarding Michael Kinsley's June 28 Forum article ("Enough With the Bursting Bombs"), it appears that he needs a lesson in American history and why the "The Star-Spangled Banner" was chosen as our national anthem. This song is not about what he calls "empty bravado" of our nation or a feeling that we are braver that anyone else, although I think Mr. Kinsley's comments are a slap in the face to our veterans.
This song is about what the cost of our freedom was and the struggle to keep it after just over a 30-year span after winning our independence. This song is a tribute to those who gave so much so we can have our liberty. When Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the poem, he was very thoughtful in his portrayal of the fight for Baltimore. I suggest that Mr. Kinsley read more about it.
I have seen those who have no liberties and the misery they live with, along with the censorship in some other nations' newspapers. Fortunately I grew up with the freedom to choose my own future, come and go as I please and elect my representatives, because of those who had sacrificed so much for our country in the past.
Singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the least we can do to honor those who gave so much. Is it really such a terrible struggle to sing this song? It is a small sacrifice that the American people can give to honor those who gave so much for us.
DARYL KELLEY
Cross Creek, Washington County
Shallow complaints
Michael Kinsley's commentary "Enough With the Bursting Bombs" (June 28) was simply infuriating. Mr. Kinsley's piece appeared to be nothing more than a frivolous rant from someone who not only shows great unwillingness to stretch himself vocally but who also really doesn't understand (or doesn't like) our nation's history.
I have been a music educator for 11 years, and while the melody is challenging, fourth-graders can sing it, and some can even play it on instruments. Try getting out of your speaking range, and I think you'll find that any adult can make his or her way around that two-octave range. If the intoxicated Englishmen could handle it, I think a few tailgating Steelers fans can hack it 10 times in a year.
What is more frustrating than the gripes about the song's difficulties is his oversimplification of the meaning of the lyrics. "The lyrics are all about bombs and war and bloodshed ... ." That's like saying football is just a bunch of fat guys jumping on a dead pig. Beyond that, his criticism of the so-called "empty bravado" of the line "home of the brave" is maddening to anyone who understands the great, unimaginable sacrifices of our nation's founders, many of whom literally gave up everything for the cause of freedom in this land.
Mr. Kinsley is one of many who seems to be ashamed of our nation's strength and bravery, and that really is a shame.
ALAN A. CUGINI
Collier
Just plain brave
As the father of a son who is currently serving his country in Afghanistan, I take issue with the Sunday Forum article "Enough With the Bursting Bombs" by Michael Kinsley. Mr. Kinsley is entitled to his opinion regarding the musical appeal of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the degree to which ordinary citizens are able to comfortably sing the song. I don't even care if it did come from an old English drinking song.
But his comment "By contrast, 'home of the brave' is empty bravado. There is nothing in the American myth (let alone reality) to suggest that we are braver than anyone else" is highly offensive. Empty bravado? Would he say that to any of the men and women who volunteer to serve their country in the armed forces? Empty bravado? My son and his comrades are attacked on a regular basis by those who desperately want to see them dead. Empty bravado? Would he say that to the family of those killed in action? Empty bravado? Think D-Day and the Army Rangers who climbed the precipices at Normandy.
Every American should question Mr. Kinsley's contention that this is not the home of the brave. The bravery exhibited every day by those serving their country is an inspiration and underscores what it means to be an American. My advice to Mr. Kinsley: Forget "Born in the USA," suck it up and sing the challenging "Star-Spangled Banner," and when you do, think very carefully about what it means to be brave.
ERIC BAKOW
Franklin Park
My Pirate crush
I read with keen interest the Post-Gazette's June 28 article "Forbes Field Memories: Ballpark Is Long Gone, But Fans Mark Its 100th Birthday"). I was eagerly looking for the mention of the 1960s Pirates first baseman Dick Stuart. I was disappointed that he wasn't mentioned in the stats because he was one of the few to have hit a home run over the centerfield wall at 457 feet.
My Forbes Field memories are of standing up from my seat when Dick Stuart came to bat and yelling out my heart for him as people around me booed him. He was a great power hitter, but sometimes he had fielding errors and I think this is why he was booed. But I had such a teenage crush on him that he could do no wrong.
I founded the Dick Stuart Fan Club with one member ... me. And I made a sign that read "Don't Boo Stu in '62" that my father let me put in our front yard in my hometown of Johnstown. Probably a lot of us sat on front porches with transistor radios to our ears listening to the Pirates games. But nothing was as grand as being in Forbes Field and rooting for our favorite player ... boos and all.
THERESA CHALICH
Squirrel Hill
Judgment matters
In her June 28 column ("Don't Cry for Him, Argentina"), Sally Kalson urged her readers not to confuse private behavior with public governance. Yet a quality common to both is judgment. Demonstrated poor judgment -- morality aside -- is an appropriate yardstick to be used in measuring the worthiness of a candidate for public office.
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's poor judgment -- again morality aside -- should give us pause should he attempt to continue to seek public office.
JAY JARRELL
Peters
Not weather warmth
The gentleman who created the editorial cartoon that appeared on last Sunday's Perspectives page -- depicting Gov. Mark Sanford in beach gear on his return from Argentina -- should have checked his geography. Since Buenos Aires is in the Southern Hemisphere at a latitude equivalent to Richmond, Va., in the Northern Hemisphere, the weather there is winter.
Gov. Sanford might have enjoyed the warmth, but not outdoors, and certainly not at the beach.
JOAN COOPER
Squirrel Hill
No day at the beach
Just a quick note about the June 28 cartoon on the op-ed page from the Rome (Ga.) News-Tribune ... the cartoonist needs a quick geography lesson. Buenos Aires is not a beach resort city, and it's now early winter there, with a high of around 54 degrees Fahrenheit last Monday.
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's trip may have been ill-advised, but not weather-related. Such parochialism. There is a Southern Hemisphere 'n 'at.
TOM BACHMAN
Pine
What lifestyle changes are our lawmakers experiencing?
I agree completely with the letter regarding the legislators and their "sacrifices" in our current economy ("Their Sacrifices?" June 28 Issue One). If I am not mistaken, they are elected to represent us. This should not be a "ticket to ride" at our expense.
When considering raising taxes, our governor and legislators should consider making concessions with their "perks" in lieu of making it more difficult for those of us who are living with less while the legislators are seeking more. They are not suffering through any changes in their lifestyles. I am sure they are going on planned vacations, completing home improvements, etc.
During their bid for election, they knock on our doors and profess to care about us. Subsequently, we usually get "kicked in the teeth." Fortunately, many dental groups will set up payment plans (in the absence of insurance) to accommodate dental procedures.
CYNTHIA MADONI ANSANI
New Kensington
Can't wait to respond to our letter writers? Go to community.post-gazette.com/blogs.
We welcome your letters. Please include your name, address and phone number, and send to Letters to the Editor, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. E-mail letters to letters@post-gazette.com or fax to 412-263-2014. Letters should be 250 words or less, original and exclusive to the Post-Gazette. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity and accuracy and will be verified before being published.
