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In reply to the discussion: I changed the channel when Battle Hymn of the Republic started [View all]nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Response to cynatnite (Reply #133)Mon Jan 21, 2013, 09:43 AM
nadinbrzezinski (115,179 posts)
143. Patriotic
And it took those overtones during the civil war, not the present. The transformation for it into a deeply patriotic song took place during that very bloody civil war. It's origins are with the abolitionist movement as you correctly note.
It's also a hymn in the African American community. I don't know about you, but this is an African American President being inaugurated. This choice by Schumer, he is the one who chose it, is a nod to the community from a Jew.
So if one gets all those historic nuances, I can forgive them of using it. And Lord knows I know exactly where I lost my faith in a higher power. I also know we are not gong to have a ceremony like oh...Mexico's. our separation of Church and State is not that strict. Nor ave we fought several bloody civil wars over the issue either.