Should Singers Be Fined for Altering the National Anthem?
SodaHead News
2012/01/02 00:59:28
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Undoubtedly you’ve heard one of the many stories of singers, both famous and amateurs, igniting controversy by altering the national anthem. Now one Indiana lawmaker wants to make the practice a punishable offense.
If State Sen. Vaneta Becker gets her way, performance standards would be set for the “Star-Spangled Banner” and singers would have to sign a document agreeing not to stray from what’s deemed an “acceptable” rendition. The proposed punishment for making changes: a $25 fine.
This new law would apply to events sponsored by public schools, state universities, and private schools receiving state or local scholarship funds, including vouchers. Such schools would be required to record performances of the national anthem and to then hold on to the recordings for two years.
Indiana is not the first state to consider laws regulating performances of the national anthem. In Massachusetts and Michigan, it is against the law to use the "Star-Spangled Banner" as dance music, an exit march, or as part of a musical medley. It is also illegal to add "embellishment or addition in the way of national or other melodies." These laws cover all public places, theaters, movie theaters, restaurants, and cafes. Perhaps most extreme: in Michigan, violators can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Yet, one of the strangest things about the proposed Indiana law is who would be responsible for regulating the new policy: the State Department of Education. We just can’t see how this is the best use of the department’s time.
What do you think? Should singers be fined for altering the national anthem?
If State Sen. Vaneta Becker gets her way, performance standards would be set for the “Star-Spangled Banner” and singers would have to sign a document agreeing not to stray from what’s deemed an “acceptable” rendition. The proposed punishment for making changes: a $25 fine.
This new law would apply to events sponsored by public schools, state universities, and private schools receiving state or local scholarship funds, including vouchers. Such schools would be required to record performances of the national anthem and to then hold on to the recordings for two years.
Indiana is not the first state to consider laws regulating performances of the national anthem. In Massachusetts and Michigan, it is against the law to use the "Star-Spangled Banner" as dance music, an exit march, or as part of a musical medley. It is also illegal to add "embellishment or addition in the way of national or other melodies." These laws cover all public places, theaters, movie theaters, restaurants, and cafes. Perhaps most extreme: in Michigan, violators can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Yet, one of the strangest things about the proposed Indiana law is who would be responsible for regulating the new policy: the State Department of Education. We just can’t see how this is the best use of the department’s time.
What do you think? Should singers be fined for altering the national anthem?
Read More: http://www.indystar.com/article/20111230/LOCAL/112...
Top Opinion
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Disko Pickle 2012/01/02 02:44:10Yes
+25Yes. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution makes it perfectly clear that it is a crime to exercise free speech.
Deliberately changing it (especially for political reasons) ... absolutely!
Now, if you're improvising or "Weird Al-ing" it, that'd be another thing, but that tends to make people mad, anyway, so that comes with its own punishments.