Two of Mr. F.S. Key's lesser-known lyrics

[rhaenda]

----- Original Message ----- >  I'll post the Pic URL's
>
>  DM
>
>  >From: Rhaenda 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!
>
>Oh what wonderful lyrics!!!!!!!
>Do you think you'll get the nobel prize for that?


No, I think that highly unlikely.  They are, as advertised, the lyrics of
one Mr Francis Scott Key.  Key is probably ineligible for the Nobel Prize as
he has been dead for more than 160 years.  *His* lyrics were written in
1814.  Sanguine, yes, martial without doubt, but hardly unique.  In addition
to those you posted, you might also consider:

Aux armes, citoyens
Formez vos battailons
Marchons, marchons
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons

and

Almighty God Arise
Conquer our enemies
and make them fall.
Confound their politics,
frustrate their knavish tricks
on Thee our hopes we fix.
God save us all!

National anthems and such written before 1945 tended to have such lyrics.
The songs serve the same purpose as screaming, chest thumping, and teeth
baring among humans and other primates.  They motivate those who sing them
and can incite fear among those at whom they are directed if they believe in
turn that those who sing the songs are insane enough to do what the songs
suggest.  There is value in that.  It might be better to leave such people
alone.  For example, in the days of  the Mutual Assured Destruction
strategy, it was considered necessary for every president of the United
States to say something insane from time to time.  Why?  Because the only
possible winning strategy associated with nuclear war was that of the first
strike *provided* that the side who was struck was too civilized to strike
back and destroy the world.  If an American president or Soviet premier was
perceived to be too sane, then he made his side open to attack.  This
principle also applied in asymmetric warfare.  Soviet interests in Lebanon
were immune from kidnapping and other terrorism after the abduction of one
Soviet diplomat was answered with a single, amazing act of barbarism.


There might have been a touch of irony intended in posting these lyrics.
However, incredible as it might seem, there are P-listers who serve in the
U.S.  military (and other P-listers who support them).

As for the bin Laden head picture, perhaps it could be dispayed side-by-side
with pictures of the heads of General Gordon, King Charles, and Marie
Antoinette as a reminder that we are not far removed from barbarism.  Two
meals away some have said.

        PR