[Update, July 17, 2016: the (understandable, now I look at it) reaction of some friends to the following made me realize that I could perhaps be more explicit about my point. My feeble attempt at poetry no more constitutes a criticism of the philosophy of the USA (nor what I presume was and is, respectively, the intent of its founders and their courageous modern counterparts), than a doctor's concerned pointing-out of worrying symptoms of infirmity and possible sickness in a poorly patient constitutes a criticism of human health, vitality, and well-being. And to those who argue that while it's OK for a family member to comment on that family's failings, outsiders should respectfully hold their tongues, I say screw that for a sensible approach to life, especially when it is often the case that those in the best position to alert everyone to said failings are outsiders, precisely because they are outsiders. Consider: what motivation would I have -- I who am in the USA not because that was inflicted on me by birth, but rather because I freely chose to come here because I heard and bought the noble message of life and liberty -- what possible motivation would I have for merely diss'ing the place? None. I cry foul because I care. Listen, those who have ears to hear.]
Rounding off a trio of tunes. Just as the "tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time ...", some recent travels, with the obligatory backscatter x-ray scans, feelings-up, demands for documents, and other "better safe than free" intrusions by various agents of the state, prompted me to consider refreshing the US National Anthem. Consider it merely an alternate, to be used only if the current carry-on continues such that Normal Service Is Never Resumed.
The Surrender Of Fort Liberty
O! say can you see in the eve's failing light,
What once lifted our hearts at That Dawn's light come streaming,
'T'whose worn stripes and dim stars, through grave oversight,
From our shelters we peer, are abused and unseeming?
But the Media's glare, on the Bombs rarely there,
Gives the lie, in the night, that our flag is still here;
O! say could that star spangled Banner yet wave,
O'er the Land that was free, now a bane for the brave?