“O beautiful for heroes proved, in liberating strife, who more than self, their country loved, and mercy more than life.” — Katherine Lee Bates
(Ahh! The song that SHOULD be our national anthem! Why we abide by the decision of one of the lowest ranked Presidents in U.S. history is a mystery to me. Many feel that “America the Beautiful” better represents the principles, and virtues, of the United States of America. “The Star Spangled Banner” was a poem written about a battle in the War of 1812. Our country is about so much more than war. Or, at least it should be. Besides, “America the Beautiful” is so much easier to sing than “The Star Spangled Banner”. Debate every little thing, folks! But, love your country, and love your neighbor! Be well and do good, friends.) — YUR
Image courtesy of Google
http://animalnewyork.com/2014/fuck-fuckcoke-liberal-history-america-beautiful/
Unclerave's Wordy Weblog 
It’s one of those things that the Star Spangled Banner is a challenge in itself; it may, and it probably did, make or break (singing) careers. I didn’t care for America the Beautiful till I’ve heard it with Ray Charles. Don’t want to put down either, and I agree with you, this nation is/should be more than wars. But the reality is that it has become just as much, unfortunately. Just compare what we spend in defense to pretty much everything else, including teaching history and science and taking good care of our Vets and our poor, oh, I should stop right now. Happy Fourth to you, and good luck against Sweden. Cheers
That’s our Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex, Wes! Bloated and wasteful, while health, education and infrastructure suffer. Wars make money for the elites, and leave the rest of us fighting for the scraps. May the best teams win this Saturday! — YUR