https://pjmedia.com/spengler/2012/07/04/a-national-anthem-that-begins-and-ends-with-a-question/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 03:59:38 -0400<![CDATA[There&#8217;s no mistaking Francis Scott Key for a great poet, but like other minor talents at exalted moments, Julia Ward Howe, for example, he wrote a great poem. It might seem a stretch to think of &#8220;The Star-Spangled Banner&#8221; as high art, but its first verse, despite some deficiencies, has true grandeur. Some years ago I discussed America&#8217;s anthem at Asia Times. In honor of the 4th of July, here are some revised thoughts.]]>Wed, 04 Jul 2012 06:55:50 -0400<![CDATA[David P. Goldman]]>https://pjmedia.com/david-p-goldman/2012/07/04/a-national-anthem-that-begins-and-ends-with-a-question-n130931