<<I'd prefer to sing "My country, 'tis of thee", frankly. The message, it seems to me, is more affirming not just of the beauty of the country, but of the sweetness of the Liberty that is such an integral part of our very fibre.>>
Karen,
If there were only one verse to America the Beautiful I would agree with you, but there are more. It's by far the best expression I know of the spirit of American liberty.
O beautiful for Pilgrim feet Whose firm impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life. America! America! May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine.
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears. America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.
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