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America Deserves a Star Spangled Banger
Although some artists have made “The Star Spangled Banner” sizzle, including Whitney Houston at the 1991 Super Bowl, we deserve a better anthem, writes Eli Lake. (Photo by Michael Zagaris via Getty Images)
Our country rocks—so why doesn’t our national anthem? Eli Lake proposes a few alternatives.
By Eli Lake
08.12.24 — Culture and Ideas
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Over the last three weeks at the Paris Olympics, “The Star Spangled Banner” was played 40 times, once for every gold we’ve won. Our athletes have scored more medals than any other country, but when it comes to the music that celebrates those champions, we’re a long way from the podium.

I can’t help being jealous of the French, with their defiant hymn, “L…

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Eli Lake
Eli Lake is the host of Breaking History, a new history podcast from The Free Press. A veteran journalist with expertise in foreign affairs and national security, Eli has reported for Bloomberg, The Daily Beast, and Newsweek. With Breaking History, he brings his sharp analysis and storytelling skills to uncover the connections between today’s events and pivotal moments in the past.
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