[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

And yet had she busted out w/ OH BEAUTIFUL FOR SPACIOUS SKYS ... a la Ray Charles it would not be a biggie.

I'm all for decorum and yes... this is where some have a legitimate quibble ...

but my gut tells me that had she chosen an "accepted" standard we wouldn't even know about this story.

Don't be obtuse. People aren't upset because she sang "another patriotic song" in place of the national anthem; people are upset because she used her temporary position to make an unnecessary political statement. If she had simply sang a different song, it would have been deemed impolite, and I doubt she would be invited back for a second time, but you're right--probably no uproar.

The fact remains the patriotic standard about love of country and God has a storied past ... did not come out of nowhere .... and is an accepted standard at many venues ... including schools.

It is usually sang in ADDITION to the national anthem. Not in place of it, or combined with it.

This is not some artist burning a flag while singing to our nation.

Maybe not, but you don't know that for sure. Her intentions could have been divisive. Perspective and balance are needed, and that means recognizing that she MAY have been intentionally divisive. (Regardless of what apologies she offers after the fact.)