Fallen Ideology

Per poll numbers, George W. Bush is the worst president in American history. His flaws are numerous:

disregard for facts and science
disregard for law-- American and International
put cronies in charge
war mongering
rewarded failure (Eric Shinseki was fired. George Tenet, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom)
et cetera

But, today, I am going to defend George W. Bush and his fellow conservatives. They were determined, consistent and principled. They tested their ideology of limited government to its breaking point. Conservatives truly believed that unregulated energy would bring down costs, except that market manipulation by Enron caused energy costs to increase. Conservatives truly believed that banks would act in their own self-interest and not leverage themselves into collapse. Conservatives truly believed that extravagant spending in Iraq would lead to "freedom."

Conservatives come with conviction. John Kennedy Toole, author of 'Confederacy of Dunces,' distrusted government more than any liberal could. R. Crumb did not move to France because the United States was too conservative. Just the opposite. Anti-communist elitists, such as Ayn Rand and Edward Teller, were deeply troubled by leftist ideology, and for valid reasons. Government should be limited. The only question is how limited? George W. Bush provided a great public service to a country that was divided about the role of government and where the limits should be, by testing the limits.

George W. Bush was only inept when judged by results. He behaved consistently with purpose and the arrogance of Napoleon Bonaparte. Bush could have retained his minimalist ideology of government, behaved ethically, hired competent people and let them do their jobs, followed the laws of the land, benefited from the views of the scientific community, and history would have regarded him well, like President Dwight D. Eisenhower. But, Bush slavishly followed his anti-regulatory, pro-war ideology to disaster, ignoring all signals to the contrary.

We have entered a new and more non-ideological world. Unfortunately, the premise that government should be no larger than is necessary may have died through George W. Bush's slavishly ideological competence.

TV Generals

According to the New York Times, yesterday, the Pentagon manipulated the generals who went on TV to talk about the Iraq War, who in turn manipulated the public with false and misleading comments.

Internal Pentagon documents repeatedly refer to the military analysts as “message force multipliers” or “surrogates” who could be counted on to deliver administration “themes and messages” to millions of Americans “in the form of their own opinions.”

Those paying attention, however, realized early on that Victoria Clark, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs under Donald Rumsfeld, is a public relations professional who used to be a corporate brand manager. Do you remember her giving those press briefings early into the Iraq War? Her job, even before joining the government was to manipulate public opinion. Let us give Rumsfeld credit for hiring one competent person.

I Want to Hear Politicians Say This

Who does a politician work for? One answer is his or her funders. The campaign donations from the top GOP donor, Ken Lay of Enron, to George W. Bush "bought a certain level of access" according to Martin Anderson, Hoover Institute, in 2001. But, from someone who lived in California during engineered blackouts, it turns out those donations bought policy. The energy industry may even have something to do with war, as Ray McGovern quotes Alan Greenspan.

I know there will be at least one party on the ballot that does not accept corporate donations. To get my vote, I want to hear a politician say what John Edwards is quoted here.

Update, 9/14/07: I also like John Edward's position on the Iraq War, here and Colin Powell's position, here, except where he lies about not knowing he was lying to the UN (see the Downing Street Memo).
Update, 10/7/07: Chris Dodd, unlike others, commits to getting out of Iraq by 2013.

Family Man Oriented Rap, Two Extremes

The best political cartoons and the best music video I have seen all year...

The cutest family video ever (music starts at 2:50):
MC Lars Video Podcast, Episode 7

Family Man, by Mark Fiore
MC Rove, by Mark Fiore


Update:The middle of MC Lars Video Podcast, Episode 8 is especially funny with Episode 7 (linked above) as a set up.

Update II: This MC Paul Barman project is not so family oriented.

The Liberal Media

video

Finally, something worthy of being called "liberal media." I think it needed to be said. But, could we respect Bush as a person, if he didn't stand up for his fall guy?

Poll Results.

Good point. His job is to be president of us all.
----

The Republican spin is to say that Bill Clinton was just as bad, which is to imply that two parties are equally disgusting. If you buy this argument-- there is some merit to it-- I suggest you find a third party to support. This is not widely reported, but America even has parties that were against the Iraq war before it happened. This takes us back to Scooter Libby and how he led an office that generated the propaganda to start the war, but where is that link? That is not so widely reported, either.

Will a Bush and/or Clinton be on the ballot for an 8th consecutive presidential/VP election? Hey, is this a monarchy?

More

Notes from an up and coming curmudgeon

Dear Radio Station Morning Guy,
I was listening to K*** this morning, which I generally enjoy. I would like to quibble with some of your program's on-air banter.

While most everyone shares your political belief regarding the president, it is not constructive to deride him in inaccurate ways. If George Bush is using the term, "climate change", it might be for good reason. While "global warming" is the term you prefer, "global warming" is almost a misnomer because while average global temperature is indeed increasing, the variation of temperature is changing more significantly.

Let's put it another way. When most people hear "global warming", they imagine warmer weather, which doesn't sound so bad. "Climate change" more accurately describes the increase in hurricanes, the record highs, AND the record lows that the models predict.

And finally, please don't describe the next cold day or the next hot day as disproof or evidence of "global warming". Unless, one day, the Greenland glacier disappears into the ocean, "climate change" is occurring over decades not days.

Thanks.
--------
My standard rant on media, the evils of at least two political parties, and climate charge, is nicely captured by Richard Power, so I don't have to. Richard offers constructive things you can do. I urge you to whine like me, instead.

I like this link, too. Media ask stupid questions when candidates debate. Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer. But, I would argue that candidates should be able to answer unfairly phrased questions like "why do you beat your wife?" If they can't, then what are they doing in a debate? If they answer poorly, might they be poor candidates?

I'll conclude with my pet peeve. If the reason you vote is a "Vote 2008" prompt on the bottom edge of your TV screen, then please admit to yourself that TV makes you buy things you don't want, and stay home.
--------

Once I have my curmudgeon skills polished, I'll complain about the beef and broccoli that came when I ordered beef and black bean.

But, the beef and broccoli was so good.

G.W. Bush: Not An Idiot

I swear, George Bush is a total idiot.
Lane Hudson, 3/19/2007, Huffington Post

A common misperception from the left is that an idiot is serving as our president. This perception ignores how well Bush diagnosed America's psyche and positioned himself to become elected, first as a "compassionate conservative," then as the "commander in chief". I remember the Iranian hostage crisis and how Carter was reviled in 1979. I remember fellow students at my university chanting, "Bomb Iran." Bush tapped into America's festering anger (Viet Nam plus Iran plus the World Trade Center bombings). Bush bombed a country. Bush gratified frustrated Americans. Coincidentally, the Bush family is in the oil business and they got richer. Do you still think Bush is stupid?

In all the chest-beating about how the war did badly, no one seems to remember how the war did very, very well — for Big Oil.
Greg Palast, 3/18/2007, It’s STILL The Oil: Secret Condi Meeting on Oil Before Invasion

Hurricane Katrina hurt Bush's poll numbers. This was based on the lack of a response by FEMA. Few outside of New Orleans even know that this disaster was of our own making. Ineffective government caused the disaster. Why does no one talk about this? Perhaps, Bush is smart enough to change the subject. Why would anyone bother to ask him a question about an area where he is so obviously unenaged? Aside from a couple Pulitzer prize winners, it seems no one followed the story.
Harry Shearer, 8/29/2006, Katrina: Something Besides Emotion, Update: 3/21/07


Those who felt that government "was the problem, not the solution" got "W" elected. Would this base of support now want the government to fix veterans hospitals or rebuild cities or correctly design levees?

If you are an angry American, Bush relieved some of your pent up frustration. If you are an oilman, FEMA contractor or defense contractor, the president is doing a good job at serving your interests. If you are a New Orleans resident or a wounded soldier who expects the government to help you with your issues, then the president does not seem so smart.

The madder and more privileged you are, the smarter this president becomes.

Do not call the president an idiot. Instead, please recognize that the privileged people who finance our president still support him. They also plan to win the next election based on emotional appeals from someone no smarter.


A new link:George Bush is not incompetent.

It's Good News Week

I was in Asia, in early 2005, when John Bolton was nominated to be America's ambassador to the United Nations. In Asia, unlike here in the United States, stories about the United Nations frequently pepper the front pages of the newspapers. So, I quickly learned that John Bolton was a protege of the xenophobic Senator Jesse Helms. This story details what most of the world knew at the time of the nomination, and what few in the United States ever see in print.

The resignation of John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations is truly great news for the United States and the world. Wonkette: "Bolton’s UN colleagues feel like it’s their birthday."

Sadly, there is yet another new Jesse Helms. I received this note, dated November 29, 2006, from a certain Senator from Minnesota.


Dear Mr. Rasmussen :

Thank you for taking the time to contact me concerning the nomination of John Bolton to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (UN). I strongly support Ambassador Bolton's nomination.

John Bolton was first nominated for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the UN on March 7 , 2005. Last year, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, of which I am a member, took the unusual step of holding multiple hearings and conducting several interviews on this nomination. After a filibuster by Senate Democrats prevented an up or down vote on Ambassador Bolton's nominati on last year, in August of 2005 President Bush gave John Bolton a r ecess appo intment to be U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

Recess appointments expire at the end of the 2-year Congressional term unless the Senate votes to confirm the individual permanently. The Foreign Relations Committee is currently reviewing Mr. Bolton's performance from the past year, and will vote once again in September whether to send Ambassador Bolton's nomination to the Senate floor for consideration by the full Senate. I am hopeful that this time Ambassador Bolton will be permitted an up or down vote.
I firmly support the nomination of John Bolton and hope to see him confirmed by the Senate as soon as possible. Our national security demands it. In these precarious times, the U.S. cannot afford to go without representation at the UN, where we are simultaneously dealing with a crisis in the Middle East, provocative missile launches from North Korea , the continued defiance of Iran regarding its nuclear program, and urgent humanitarian crises such as Darfur .

In addition, Ambassador Bolton has achieved significant successes during his tenure. He led the Security Council to pass a resolution opposing North Korea 's missile attacks, the first action taken by the Security Council against North Korea in ten years. He has also played a major role in pushing the Security Council to focus on Sudan , including passing a resolution that authorizes the use of a UN peacekeeping force. Furthermore, Ambassador Bolton has been a strong advocate for UN reform, working to make the organization more effective and transparent.

John Bolton's credentials are impressive and his history as an effective diplomat has helped him be a strong voice for American interests and a credible UN. John Bolton previously has been confirmed by the Senate several times and served in a number of important positions, including as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs at the Department of State, Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice, Assistant Administrator for Program and Policy Coordination and General Counsel at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Ambassador Bolton also served as the Senior Vice President of the American Enterprise Institute.

Thank you once again for taking the time to share your thoughts with me regarding this important nomination. Although you and I may agree and disagree at times, please know I always appreciate hearing from you and that I value your advice. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I may be of further assistance to you.


Sincerely,
Norm Coleman
United States Senate

John Bolton, 1994: If the UN building in New York lost ten stories “it wouldn’t make a bit of difference”.

The world values the United Nations and diplomacy, even if John Bolton, George Bush and Norm Coleman do not.

Howard Zinn Likes Baseball...

... and other political links.

Zinn Interview

Lessons of Iraq War start with U.S. history, Howard Zinn

"655,000 Iraqi Deaths is Not Credible," President Bush

What is Not on TV, Danny Schechter (updated daily)

Comics, Mark Fiore

News and International Views

What's On the International News?
Terry Schiavo, Michael Jackson and Martha Stewart stories are broadcast in the Hong Kong airport as " CNN Breaking News," indicating the power of Hollywood. There is no escaping it.

California mudslides are mentioned to me on the street in Thailand, where three months ago, they had the tsunami disaster.

A live one hour press conference with Secretary General Kofi Annon, includes questions from Fox News and other journalists who ask "aren't you a crook?" and "isn't the United Nations irrelevant?" type- questions. There are also more probing questions from American and International journalists.

Taipei, which is upset over recent language from Beijing about sovereignty, is referred to as in "China" on CNN International; the US is alone in support of "Taiwan".

Protests are broadcast from Tokyo, Seoul and throughout the World on the second anniversary of Iraq Invasion by "the United States and Britain."

On the heavily promoted CNN "Melting Point" special documentary, that I suspect is not broadcast in the United States, global warming is called a fact. "Due to the mounting evidence for climate change, only the magnitude of global climate change is debated by serious scientists." The United States and Australia are the only major holdouts to the 1997 Kyoto Treaty.

The Daily Show with John Stewart: Global Edition, which is broadcast in Asia on Sundays in prime time: The John Bolton and Paul Wolfowitz nominations indicate that George W. Bush has huge "balls". They illustrate this point with "MRI photos".

The US is viewed as the driver of the World economy; concern over US deficit, rising interest rates and rising oil prices directly impact the Asian economy

Sale of warplanes from US to Pakistan is proposed

---

How are Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok and America different?
Standard of living
Japan's standard of living is higher than in the United States, based on the gadgets they use, such as showers that deliver water at a desired temperature. Japan is more expensive than the United States, which may also be an indicator of standard of living. However, Asians tend live in small apartments, which Americans might find unsuitable. So, it is probably impossible to say whether Japan or America has a higher standard of living. Korea's standard of living is lower than the United States, with Seoul's sewer system being the most noticeable issue. (My guest house uses a trash can for used toilet paper to keep the sewer from plugging.) An American should nonetheless easily adapt to Korea. I read that housing costs in Korea average less than ten percent of income, an indication of economic convervatism. In Bangkok, prices are low and tourists get diarrhea every couple of weeks.

Education
PhDs per capita are amongst the highest in the world in Korea. Japanese are well educated. I sense less formal education in Thailand.

Pollution
Bangkok has air, water and noise pollution. It seems as if mufflers have been outlawed on the 100cc motorcycles. So, when stoplights change, it sounds like the start of a Grand Prix. The diesel buses drown out many odors, but not all. Bangkok street odors of rotten meat smell worse than sewage, and you notice debris floating down the river. Seoul is air pollution conscious with NOx level displayed digitally on the most congested roads, though the exhaust pollution is not that noticeable to me. Tokyo is also like the United States, with pollution issues generally under control.

Dress
Tokyo people are fashion conscious, like with Los Angeles. Seoul people also dress well, and many dress formally, like they are going to church. Bangkok grooming and dress are neat and conformist. An Arab Muslim presence is noticeable in my Bangkok neighborhood.

Pace
Seoul and Tokyo have a big city pace. Bangkok is too hot to support this pace, and the natives walk slower. Somebody yells at me, "You walk too fast."

Homelessness
I saw it in Japanese National Parks and in Seoul subway stations, though San Francisco homelessness is much more obvious. The problem seems worst in America, most under control in Japan. You see people sleeping in odd places in Bangkok, but this implies heat rather than homelessness to me.

English
Many Asians speak English, in every city. TOEFL tests are must be aced for Asians to receive the best higher education. Americans can benefit from the Asian focus on English, and can become English teachers.

Pharmacies
In Korea, RU-21, the day after pill, is advertised in the windows at pharmacies. In Thailand, Viagra, Cialis, or your favorite pharmaceutical does not require a prescription.

The American Right
American conservatism and the George W. Bush election are viewed as expressions of militant, nationalism. Koreans also view the Japanese as nationalists based upon their recent claim of the Totko islands and on recent revisions to history textbooks. The occupation of Korea, ending in 1945, is still fresh on the minds of Koreans.

Thai t-shirts include "Good Bush/Bad Bush," where "Bad Bush" is the president. One t-shirt on a Bangkok street stand shows a flattering picture of Osama, though, I haven't noticed anyone wearing pro-Osama clothing-- are they used for turbans? (Lots of corporate shirts are for sale-- Nike, Polo, LeCoste, etc., but no American flag waving type shirts are obvious.)

Women
American liberalism is refreshing to younger Asians. A woman has been elected the equivalent of governor in Japan. However, in Tokyo, I notice a woman dressed as a Geisha, bowing goodbye to a man wearing a business suit. Korean girls also know that the brother will get more opportunities. Thailand is even more sexist, as you see employment ads for "Thai males younger than 30". Despite the American glass ceilings, America is still progressive.

Hollywood
The top five DVDs in Japan are American blockbusters. "The Incredibles" is on sale at Bangkok 7-11s. Much of the perception of America, as a land of opportunity, comes from Hollywood, which is America's strongest industry in Asia. Everyone knows Arnold Schwartzeneggar. Somehow, Hollywood convinces Asians that America, thirteen time zones away, is important to them. (Some Asian high school students also inaccurately believe the United States city streets are filled with gunfire, based on Hollywood.) Hollywood infiltrates the dreams of the planet.

Land of Opportunity
I met a Japanese man whose uncle is a University professor in Chicago. I met a Korean with several family members who are successful in the United States. They can not imagine foreigners achieving success in their countries (the new Welsh born CEO of Sony is a prominent exception), but Asians have role models who have succeeded in the United States. America does represent a land of opportunity.

Patriotism at the Ballpark

Patriotism at the Ballpark, Transcript of Radio Interviews

David Rasmussen, June 2, 2004

SCENE ONE-- Kimmie and friends

Announcer: "Welcome A's fans to the Network Associates Coliseum."

"I'm Kimmie and I'm eleven years old."

Interviewer: Do you like baseball?

"Well... it's okay. I don't play it or anything, but it's fun to watch the good players.

Interviewer: What's your favorite part about coming here to watch the game?

"I like hanging out with my friends. I might actually get to catch a ball, if it comes all the way up here to the highest part of the stadium."


Interviewer: We're in the cheap seats. Do you eat candy while you are here? What makes it fun?

"We eat candy. We get to run around without any parents to supervise us. It's pretty fun."

Interviewer: Do you like "Take Me Out the the Ballgame" and the activities between innings?

"Yeah. All my friends will demonstrate a wave for you if you want."

Interviewer: What are your friend's names?


"This is Chelsea. Hanna. And, Diaemu. (From Tiburon)

Interviewer: Do you all agree with Kimmie, so far?

"And, those are other friends-- Monica, Andrea, Scarla, Johnson, and Bianca."

Interviewer: In the seventh inning, are you going to be singing really loudly?

In unison: "Yeah."


Kimmie continues, "We'll be up there doing a dance."

Interviewer: Really?

"We're going to do a dance and we're going to sing."

Interviewer: Can you sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame for the radio?"

In unison, loudly, "Take me out the ballgame, take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts sand Crackerjacks. I don't care if I never get back. For it's root, root, root for the A's/hometeam..." (Voices trail off as a boy interrupts "What's this for?"


Interviewer: This is for 90.7 FM, KALX, Berkeley

"I've never heard of that before."

Interviewer: It's okay.

Apologetically, "I have now."

Interviewer: Can I come back here and will you be singing the National Anthem when everyone else is?

In unison: "Yeah, of course" A boy sings overly dramaticly, "Oh Say Can You See."


Interviewer: Okay. I'll come back for that. What grade are you all in?"

"Sixth, going into seventh. We have one more real day of school, because the year ends June Fourth."

SCENE TWO-- Kimmie

Singer on the field performs, "...land of of the free, and the home of the brave. " [Applause]

Interviewer: "Kimmie, you forgot to sing"

"I don't know the words to the whole song. I only know part of it."


Interviewer: Okay. Next time.

SCENE THREE-- Al

"My name's Al. I'm from Antioch. I've been going to A's games for about fifteen years."

Interviewer: Why do you come?

"Fans... the team itself... the atmosphere."

Interviewer: We just randomly are sitting next to each other. I noticed that you have a couple of tatoos. Can you describe them?"


"I have an Oakland A's tatoo that a buddy of mine did and I have an American Eagle and a remembrance of 9-11. I've always had tatoos, even when I was younger."

Interviewer: Why the Oakland A's and why 9-11?

"To remember the people in the tower."

Interviewer: Did you know anyone that was involved?

"Nobody. Nobody at all."


Interviewer: It's obviously very important to you. How about the nation anthem before the game?

"I'm all for it."

Interviewer: Do you think they did a good job today?

"They did an excellent job, an excellent job. They do that all the time."

Interviewer: Do you sing along?

"I try, depending upon where I am."


Interviewer: Sometimes, not so loudly?

"Not so loud, but I'm there.

Interviewer: Anything else you'd like to say for KALX, Berkeley?

"Go A's."

Interviewer: Thanks very much.

SCENE FOUR-- Arvid

"Take me out to the Ballgame" plays and people sing.

Interviewer: Are you proud of your singing?

Arvid replies, "No. Not at all. That's why I put the glove next to my mouth."

Interviewer: Did you sing the National Anthem?

"Yes."


Interviewer: Do you like the National Anthem?

"Yes"

Interviewer: Should we keep the same national anthem or would "We Will Rock You" by the band Queen, be a better national anthem.

"We Will, We Will Rock You."

Interviewer: Okay. Thanks.

SCENE FIVE-- Corina

I'm Corina. I'm thirteen and I'm from Fremont, California.

Interviewer: So, you don't like baseball very much?

"No"

Interviewer: What were your favorite songs that they played today?

"Mourneau Five... that song that they just played... "This Love"... yeah. The songs between innings are much more interesting than the game.


Interviewer: Did you like "Take Me Out to The Ballgame" or did you like "The Star Spangled Banner"?

"I didn't think the singer was all that great for "The Star Spangled Banner."

Interviewer: Did you sing with her to drown her out?

"What?"

Interviewer: Did you sing along with her so that you could drown her out?

"Nope, because that's very rude, and even if you don't like someone you should be polite and be silent."


Interviewer: But, it's a sing-along isn't it?

"But, no one else was singing along."

Interviewer: So, you didn't want to be the only one singing.

"Exactly."

Interviewer: I asked your friend here if "We Will Rock You" would be a better national anthem.

"I don't know. Does it have any patriotism in it?"


Interviewer: I don't know I'll ask you?

"I don't think it shows any type of patriotism and it has nothing to do with baseball. Right?"

Interviewer: "The Star Spangled Banner" doesn't have anything to do with baseball, either.

"The "Star Spangled Banner" has to do with the actual country, so it works."

Interviewer: So what I said is a bad idea.

"The flag symbolizes patriotism and "The Star Spangled Banner" is to ensure it."


Interviewer: Are you a patriotic person?

"No."

Interviewer: Why not?

"Well, I would be. But, I really don't like our government right now, so I'm mad at it, and I'm just being stupid by not being patriotic."

Interviewer: Why are you mad at the government?


"Bush is running it."

Interviewer: So, you don't like Iraq and the war?

"I don't like war, in general."

Interviewer: Except for the war, you'd be very patriotic?

"That's it. Yeah."


Interviewer: Would you sing "The Star Spangled Banner" louder if Bush wasn't president?

"It depends on who is performing it."

Interviewer: Could you wear a flag pin or a tatoo?

"Sure. I sometimes do, anyway, like on Memorial Day, I wore one, but no one noticed because I was at home."

Background: Did they win?... No... They tied.


Interviewer: Do you think they are going to win?

"No"

Background: Crowd erupts.

"Never mind. They just won, didn't they?"

Background: ...his first homerun of the year

SCENE SIX-- Varoon

Kiss music plays...

[Varoon is a thirteen year old boy, whose voice hasn't changed.]

Interviewer: Varoon, They didn't do, "We Will Rock You?"

"No, actually they did... not very loudly... I would have liked it to be louder so I could have jammed along, and sung it myself.... They didn't do it very loud. I think they did it in the fourth or the fifth.

Interviewer: Were you serious when you said before the game that "We Will Rock You" would be a good national anthem?


"Yeah. Yeah, I was. I think it pumps people up and gets them into the game."

Interviewer: Does it make you feel patriotic?

"The national anthem is good, because it's patriotic, but I still think "We Will Rock You" would make a good song to play at the beginning of every game."

Background: Thank you for coming.

Interviewer: Okay. Thanks Varoon.

"Bye."

Cue to "We Will Rock You"

#

---

ARTIST: Queen
TITLE: We Will Rock You
Lyrics

Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playing in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on your face you big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place singing
We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you

Buddy you're a young man, hard man
Shoutin' in the street gonna take on the world some day
You got blood on your face you big disgrace
Waving your banner all over the place
We will we will rock you, sing it
We will we will rock you

Buddy you're an old man, poor man
Pleadin' with your eyes gonna make you some peace some day
You got mud on your face you big disgrace
Somebody better put you back into your place
We will we will rock you, sing it
We will we will rock you
Everybody, we will we will rock you
We will we will rock you, all right


Official National Anthem (since 1931): Star Spangled Banner
by Francis Scott Key

 Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, 
 What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? 
 Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, 
 O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? 
 And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, 
 Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. 
 O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave 
 O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?