The National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl: forget about flubbing the lyrics, it was everything I dislike about the modern renditions of the song…all about Me instead of Us. Vocal acrobatics, self-aggrandizing performance, “listen to me, listen to me!” American Idol-atry. Impossible to sing along with, even for those few of us who actually know the words. And as a composer, it’s the trend of songs reduced to mere vehicles to show vocal skill. Why bother to write lyrics?
Now, I know that the Star-Spangled Banner is a re-working of an old English drinking song, “To Anacreon in Heaven,” somehow how appropriate to the party-atmosphere of Super Bowl Sunday, but this performance trend is hardly peculiar to this event. Give me the children’s choir and church groups I hear at Braves games rendering sweet versions of the song. And the occasions I’ve been asked to sing before an event I’ve always felt that it was incumbent upon me to represent rather than to wow. Maybe if I had the chops of a Christina Aguilera I might be tempted to show off as she did. Luckily, I don’t. It reminds me of sitting on the hillside of the Carter Family Festival years ago with the great Scott County, VA fiddler, Beachard Smith. He and I were listening to a band with a fantastically gifted fiddler who was all over the fingerboard. Beachard turned to me during one frenetic solo and said, “John, I wish I could do that…and then not.”
-------------------------
In the wake of the shootings in Tucson last month there was a wave of finger pointing and attempts to simplistically advantage the tragedy to personal agendas. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to connect the dots of causation? “This resulted directly in this.” There was another tortured attempt to draw Sarah Palin into the center of every event in American life. (When will the Left and the media get over their obsession with this woman? She gets far more press than she warrants. The longest 15 minutes in history…) The assailant seemed to have no political agenda and plenty of mental health issues. That being said, to ignore the issue of near-complete access to firearms by anyone…even people with obvious and well-documented mental health issues…is something that no reasonable person can reasonably ignore. And to refuse to initiate a discussion about this issue is irresponsible to the point of a similar national mental health problem. Or political cowardice. How many more?
Lost, often, in such instances is the story of those lost. Good people exhibiting acts of selflessness and courage that we can only aspire to. It reminds me of what I see daily in my travels to many parts of this good nation: good people doing good things in unsung ways. And there are too many of them, ordinary people performing extraordinary acts who make me refuse myself the luxury of despair.
43 Comments
Nike Tim Tebow Jersey the
Nike Tim Tebow Jersey the weakness of their disgust.
Nike Trent Richardson Jersey
A bird's wings in the air vibration. It is a noisy but piercingly cold, full of fear of voice. A kind of uncertain return to flow.
Peyton Manning Elite Jersey felt my probably a bird. Full of alert, not easy to stay. So has been flying.
But some things there is no escape from fate.
Nike Matt Kalil Jersey
The Nike Aaron Rodgers Jersey don't know what is what you need. Lovers? In addition to holding hands,
Hug, kissing, what's left.
Nike Justin Blackmon Jersey
Friend? Who can tell a thick mask, what is one of the hidden how face? Or warm? Like a self-righteous comfort?
The Nike Andrew Luck Jersey of the head is about to burst.
Nike Mark Barron Jersey
Many problems tangled, a sluggish.
Nike Troy Polamalu Jersey
The
Nike Robert Griffin III Jersey of the lost, may be asked for it. In fact she especially like the TianXiaWuZei silly root, she wish to believe that TianXiaWuZei. Can a thief had made their way into her heart, early with erosion her happiness.
Nike Dez Bryant JerseyNo one will literally alms, especially when it is happiness.
Nike Cam Newton Jersey
Wrote this, I suddenly didn't in the mood. The story of incomplete, reflects the a damaged heart.
Nike Tom Brady Jersey and
Nike Adrian Peterson Jersey and
Nike Eli Manning Jersey.
You should know love, understands treasures.This is my last word.
The Riverfront stages are
The Riverfront stages are forever bordered by different things to do that are some music associated and some not.ustin Biebe All Around The World The measures can range from a songwriters round to a great support having contests.
http://www.coachoutletpursesr
http://www.coachoutletpursesr.com/ coach bags outlet
http://www.coachfactorybagsc.net/ coach factory outlet
http://www.coachfactorystoresr.com/ coach factory outlet
http://www.outletsmall.org/ coach outlet
http://www.bagsoutletfan.net/ coach outlet store
http://www.teccoach.com/ coach factory outlet
http://www.coachoutletpursesr.com/coach-hot-sale-c-86.html coach outlet online
http://www.coachoutletstoreonline6u.org/ coach outlet online
http://www.coachoutletonlinelover.org/ www.coachoutletonlinelover.org
When it comes to fabulous
When it comes to fabulous style for womenClarisonic Mia , there is Michael Kors Outlet Sale? nothing better than having a nice handbag. Click Here There are countless options available from a variety of designer labels. One of the hottest Hermes Birkin Bag on Michael Kors Sale the market these days would have to be the Michael Kors Handbags Hamilton Satchel. This article will take a brief look at this Michael Kors Handbags. It will highlight the Click Here and showcase the multiple reasons as to why it is so popular.You will find that many different women will opt to get the Michael Kors Sale Hamilton Satchel, simply because the Clarisonic Mia Review is very versatile. You will essentially be able to Michael kors Outlet Online wear it with a variety of outfits, it will be able to give that finishing touch. Aside from looking good, the bag is big and it can hold Michael Kors everything from magazines, your phone Michael kors Outlet and wallet. You can head out on the road and have all your comforts along with you. There are not many Clarisonic Mia 2 like this which can both be functional and Click Here have an amazing looking design.Women love this bag and it is Michael kors Sale easy to see why, it is absolutely fabulous. Clarisonic Mia It is really one of the better looking Click Here the market place and it is a fashion lover dream come true Michael Kors. One thing that makes these Hermes Bag really stand out is the fact that they are available in a myriad of Hermes Belt Sale . You will find Michael Kors Outlet Online the regular safe colors such as black Click Here, brown and grey, however if you like to stand out, orange, Hermes Birkin purple and a lot others are available. Depending on your style or fashion sense, there should be Hamilton that is Michael Kors Outlet perfect for you.When it comes to the Michael kors Handbags Outlet, one thing you should be aware of is Michael kors Handbags that it costs a pretty penny. You should expect to spend around $300 to get this Michael kors bags in your possession. This Michael kors Handbags is indeed on the expensive side and to some people this is a turnoff. If you Michael Kors Outlet really love the Michael Kors Handbags, you should go out and get it, simply because it is worth the money. This is a high quality Michael Kors Bags that looks really stylish and you will be carrying Hermes Belt Cheap it around for a very long time.I am sure that after reading this article, you are fully aware of Michael Kors Outlet what to expect from the Michael kors Outlet Online. This is a pretty amazing Michael Kors Bags and it is something Click Here that you as a bag lover need to have in the collection. Hermes Belt It is a bit on the pricey side, Clarisonic Mia 2 but it is definitely worth every cent. This is a Click Here that Michael Kors Click Here looks really good, it is very stylish and also highly fashionable Clarisonic Mia Outlet. If you want to step out in style today, then you need to get this Michael Kors Outlet.
I would like to thank you for
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post.
online home loan
IT certifications with up to
IT certifications with up to date course material is provided by Pass4sure.
pass4sure exam answers
640-822 practice test
640-816 practice test
VCP-510 practice test
CISSP practice test
I'm still learning from you,
I'm still learning from you, but I try to reach my goals. Since then enjoy reading all the information that appears on your blog.Keep come. Loved it!
The Mortgage Company
certainly a fantastic piece
certainly a fantastic piece of work ... It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
Dallas town car service
Great blog. All posts have
Great blog. All posts have something to learn. Your work is very good and i appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts.
Home Mortgage Loan Company
Really i appreciate the
Really i appreciate the effort you made to share the knowledge.The topic here i found was really effective to the topic which i was researching for a long time
business printing service
I am happy when reading your
I am happy when reading your blog with updated information! thanks alot and hope that you will post more site that are related to this site.
home mortgage company
certainly a fantastic piece
certainly a fantastic piece of work ... It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
All about car service in dallas
I really liked your
I really liked your article.
FHA Lending
I am happy when reading your
I am happy when reading your blog with updated information! thanks alot and hope that you will post more site that are related to this site.
online home mortgage
Great Information, very
Great Information, very interesting and useful for me. Thanks!
domestic and international Shipping
The idea behind this article
The idea behind this article is excellent, and for me the first item ("Create your own damn content!") is the real gem here: most of the people spend their entire lives only consuming what is created by others, and creating nothing themselves--or never sharing what they create, which is better than not creating at all, though not the best they could do.
business mail services
i agree with this comment
i agree with this comment pron movies leave bad impact on young generation.if young generation do like these things then that nation not get their goals and not get development for your country
FHA Mortgage Loan
certainly a fantastic piece
certainly a fantastic piece of work ... It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
24 hours car service
Certainly a fantastic piece
Certainly a fantastic piece of work ... It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
mailbox rental services
Certainly a fantastic piece
Certainly a fantastic piece of work ... It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
Lending Group
I really enjoy simply reading
I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great post.
air cargo services
I am happy when reading your
I am happy when reading your blog with updated information! thanks alot and hope that you will post more site that are related to this site.
best home mortgage
With the many blogs which I
With the many blogs which I have encountered, I never expected to see a very beautiful post online..After reading this one, I felt so lucky to see its content..-)
notary public los angeles
certainly a fantastic piece
certainly a fantastic piece of work ... It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
best seo company
Yes, the post is very
Yes, the post is very interesting and I really like.
Airport transportation
Thank you, I have recently
Thank you, I have recently been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far.
Car service in dfw
Thanks for your many years of
Thanks for your many years of a great service well done! I’ve always felt good about listing my concerts with you and linking from my website.
Online Mortgage
I was delighted to find this
I was delighted to find this web site.I wanted to thank you for your time reading this wonderful! I really enjoyed every bit of it and I've marked to ensure that the blog post something new.
printing and mailing services
certainly a fantastic piece
certainly a fantastic piece of work ... It has relevant information. Thanks for posting this. Your blog is so interesting and very informative.Thanks sharing. Definitely a great piece of work Thanks for your work.
fha mortgage
This is a really informative
This is a really informative knowledge, Thanks for posting this informative Information.
maryland movers
I wish to be a part of this
I wish to be a part of this concert. Thanks for writing the review.
natural supplements
Great tips, many thanks for
Great tips, many thanks for sharing. I have printed and will stick on the wall! I like this blog.
dc locksmith
baerh4r
This was a really outstanding
This was a really outstanding post. In theory I would like to compose like this too - taking time and real effort to make solid Information.
roadside assistance dallas
I am really enjoying reading
I am really enjoying reading your well written Information. I think you spend numerous effort and time updating your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am taking a look ahead to reading new Information. Please keep up the good Information!
virgina locksmith
baerh4r
I enjoy a couple of from the
I enjoy a couple of from the Information which has been written, and particularly the comments posted! I will definitely be visiting again!
movers in dc
I was always in search of
I was always in search of such useful information you have shared in this blog. This will help me in my working.
movers dc
baerh4r
Congratulation for the great
Congratulation for the great post. Those who come to read your Information will find lots of helpful and informative tips.
va locksmith
Thanks for sharing it. I
Thanks for sharing it. I found this Information very interesting and informative! Keep sharing!
moving companies washington dc
baerh4r
I am still learning from you,
I am still learning from you, but I am trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog. Keeps the information coming. I loved it!
baltimore md locksmith
This is good site to spent
This is good site to spent time; I just stumbled upon your informative blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your very well written blog posts. I will be your frequent visitor, that's for sure.
change locks west chester
baerh4r
You can not miss the great
You can not miss the great michael kors by michael kors. They are ready for you in the Michael Kors online. The bags Michael kors are all very gorgeous. You will never be upset with the bag Michael kors. All the bags michael kors in the michel kors online store are of charming style and superior quality. If you want the michael kors handbag from michaelkors, you should come to the michael kors online. The michael michael kors handbag and all the handbags by michael kors will make you the most beautiful one. I was touched by the michael michael kors purse. So I got one purse michael kors. So wonderful. The Michael kors bag is such a nice thing I got recently. I will recommend it to all my friends that need it.
http://www.cheapmichaelkorshandbag.net/
Barbour outlet,barbour
Barbour outlet,barbour jacketat reasonable price. the mens barbour jacketcontainwaxed barbour jacket,quiltd barbour jacket etc.so did ladies barbour jacket. we believe you will satisfied with the jackets.international barbour jacketare waiting for your order. The heritage found time as well rich culture make contribution to thebarbour UK today. hundreds of jackets are available for your choice, especially the stylish design and high quality, Enjoy shopping with free shipping here.
When it comes to fabulous
When it comes to fabulous style for womenClarisonic Mia , there is Michael Kors Outlet Sale? nothing better than having a nice handbag. Click Here There are countless options available from a variety of designer labels. One of the hottest Hermes Birkin Bag on Michael Kors Sale the market these days would have to be the Michael Kors Handbags Hamilton Satchel. This article will take a brief look at this Michael Kors Handbags. It will highlight the Click Here and showcase the multiple reasons as to why it is so popular.You will find that many different women will opt to get the Michael Kors Sale Hamilton Satchel, simply because the Clarisonic Mia Review is very versatile. You will essentially be able to Michael kors Outlet Online wear it with a variety of outfits, it will be able to give that finishing touch. Aside from looking good, the bag is big and it can hold Michael Kors everything from magazines, your phone Michael kors Outlet and wallet. You can head out on the road and have all your comforts along with you. There are not many Clarisonic Mia 2 like this which can both be functional and Click Here have an amazing looking design.Women love this bag and it is Michael kors Sale easy to see why, it is absolutely fabulous. Clarisonic Mia It is really one of the better looking Click Here the market place and it is a fashion lover dream come true Michael Kors. One thing that makes these Hermes Bag really stand out is the fact that they are available in a myriad of Hermes Belt Sale . You will find Michael Kors Outlet Online the regular safe colors such as black Click Here, brown and grey, however if you like to stand out, orange, Hermes Birkin purple and a lot others are available. Depending on your style or fashion sense, there should be Hamilton that is Michael Kors Outlet perfect for you.When it comes to the Michael kors Handbags Outlet, one thing you should be aware of is Michael kors Handbags that it costs a pretty penny. You should expect to spend around $300 to get this Michael kors bags in your possession. This Michael kors Handbags is indeed on the expensive side and to some people this is a turnoff. If you Michael Kors Outlet really love the Michael Kors Handbags, you should go out and get it, simply because it is worth the money. This is a high quality Michael Kors Bags that looks really stylish and you will be carrying Hermes Belt Cheap it around for a very long time.I am sure that after reading this article, you are fully aware of Michael Kors Outlet what to expect from the Michael kors Outlet Online. This is a pretty amazing Michael Kors Bags and it is something Click Here that you as a bag lover need to have in the collection. Hermes Belt It is a bit on the pricey side, Clarisonic Mia 2 but it is definitely worth every cent. This is a Click Here that Michael Kors Click Here looks really good, it is very stylish and also highly fashionable Clarisonic Mia Outlet. If you want to step out in style today, then you need to get this Michael Kors Outlet.