V.L. Nielsen’s letter concerning Lady Gaga getting the national anthem “wrong” at President Biden’s inauguration got me thinking.
It seems to me that the lyrics of the national anthem celebrate our freedom as a united people. If so, then Lady Gaga’s rendition of it was wonderfully American. She offered a dramatic and inspiring example of freedom by performing the national anthem in her own unique style. And her dramatic gesture towards the flag as she sang “that our flag was still there” was wonderfully patriotic.
We should never confuse conformity with patriotism or unity. In fact, it is our ability to express ourselves freely that Americans should treasure. Everyone doesn’t have to like Lady Gaga’s rendition, but we should all be grateful for the freedom it represents.
Ed CashDurango
