Parents Get God Back in 'God Bless the USA'

Monday, December 08, 2003



OXNARD, Calif. — Angry parents got "God" put back in Lee Greenwood's (search) patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA," which was changed to "I Love the USA" by the directors of a school show.

Kaila Kaden took issue after learning the word "God" was removed from the song her daughter Jackie will sing in this spring's Cinemagic show benefiting Pleasant Valley schools.

The April 2-3 show at Pacifica High School follows a mishandled suitcase across America and the finale features 200 students singing "God Bless the USA."

The show's directors decided to use "I Love the USA" because they thought the word "God" would violate laws separatiin Pleasant Valley schools, she said.

"We didn't want a lawsuit," said Cinemagic chairwoman Peggy Smith. "It could lead to the demise of Cinemagic and arts programs ... because of one word."

School board President Ron Speakman said there was a misinterpretation of state law and district policy. While schools cannot advocate any religion, Speakman said laws do not forbid reference to God.

"It was a misguided attempt to be politically correct, and it has been rectified," Speakman said.

The Oxnard Union High School District voted in 1999 to change the name of what is now Pacifica High School because the original name -- Pacifico -- was the name of a popular Mexican beer. The change came before the $60 million campus was completed.

The trustees said the letter change would avoid any comparisons to a brand of beer.

A committee of parents, students and teachers decided on the name in 1997, selecting Mar Pacifico, which means Pacific Ocean, from 52 possible names. The board shortened it to Pacifico, which in Spanish means easy or calm.

"Actually, when we had the groundbreaking at the school, people said, 'You're naming it after a beer?"' board member Nancy Koch said at the time.

Several ministers had expressed some reservations about the name, she said, and a handful of district teachers agree it's best to change it to Pacifica, she said.

I crack up when I hear that tune. What a stupid song! Lee Greenwood couldn't cut it with real songs, so he went the route of kitch-patriotism.

I had faith that high school students were more saavy, or at least not such hicks. Guess my hopes are dashed...

It's 'kitsch.'

Yup. Nice catch of my mistype. Thanks.

Is it Gawd in the South, or still God?

;-)

I didn't know socialists believed in hope. I thought you only needed more government intervention.

Slow day at the office Johnny?

"Johnny"

Funny thing...you have NO idea who this is. This is the internet, bro, and I could be John or I could be anyone else using his account. He might not be using this account anymore. He might not have posted since Magnifide tried to sabatoge his career. Or he might be on this very keyboard...

What would happen if you emailed him and asked about these posts? Hmmmm...nah, a 'neck like you, DMV, is surely too smart to be fooled like that...

Ask me if I care, Johnny?

PS...GET TO WORK!

I LOVE nothing more than seeing a failed Marxist philosopher get sacked from the institution of higher learning and have to deal with the real world!

Thanks for making my day!

Who got fired?

GET TO WORK!

Dude, you've got real stalker tendencies...

You're a paranoid delusional wannabee professor!

Go consult with someone.

Quote from jdrabinski:
“I crack up when I hear that tune. What a stupid song! Lee Greenwood couldn't cut it with real songs, so he went the route of kitch-patriotism.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________
How many songs have your written? How many of them are sung by others? And by your logic, any song that appeals to patriotism is not a real song? Do you hate the national anthem as well? Please elaborate on this…

The personal attacks are what initiated many long time, well valued posters to the forum to leave. Disagree with a person's point of view in a rationale well thought out manner, but keep the childish personal attacks at the playground.

Party at Steve's house!

It's difficult to imagine disparaging someone for patriotism... You could argue the merits of the music, the quality of the performance, the production, etc… But patriotism is something this country needs right now. More of it, not less. God Bless the USA!

Steve*R, Too bad YOU don’t follow your own advice...

65gtoman: I have disagreed with you on many occasions and shall continue to do so when I deem it appropriate, however, I will never attack someone personally. It would certainly behoove you to learn to distinguish the difference between presenting an opposing point of view and disparaging the poster.

The problems that ensued on this forum came about directly because of the personal attacks. Fortunately, some of those who reveled in personal invective are gone. Present a rational, reasoned, well documented argument and be respected. Issue a personal attack on a poster, because you disagree with his opinion, and you will be justifiably reviled.

Tennis anyone? X

Time to put away the cape Steve*R.

Be a Moral Cop in your own yard. If you don't like it, don't read it or respond to it! As far as those leaving...the door is always open. Some use it and some don't. Get used to it.

I for one am sick of the God bashing and the political BS hacks that ramble about GW or anything that doesn't talk with a lisp with a limp wrist! I will speak out on those occasions. I'm not asking for your permission or anyone else's! This is a Misc. board, not the Miss Manners board.