Readers Write for July 4

Trudi Hahn Pickett's June 28 commentary piece was spot-on. Yes, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a challenge to sing, but that doesn't mean it is primarily meant to be performed by professionals while the rest of us just sit back and listen. And let's face it -- famous people's renditions can sometimes be downright cringeworthy.

To me, one of the most stirring and moving experiences there is is singing the national anthem in a large group. When I sing about "the land of the free and the home of the brave," I choke up and about burst with pride and gratitude that I am lucky enough to live in America. Personally, I need that reminder once in a while.

CHRISTINE SEIDEL, MINNEAPOLIS

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As a choral director, I know that "The Star-Spangled Banner" has a wide vocal range and cumbersome melody, so it is not singer-friendly ("Let us sing," June 28). For the sake of comparison, "My Country 'Tis of Thee" is very singable. I am not urging the adoption of another anthem, but to expect broad participation by the general public in singing our national anthem is unrealistic.

DAVID MORKEN, THIEF RIVER FALLS, MINN.

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MARY BROMAN, MINNEAPOLIS

What a blessing to open the July 1 Star Tribune and see the picture of clergy representing different religious affiliations walking together in a peaceful protest of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's unallotments. This is such a beautiful statement of unity and working together on issues we can all agree on. I also must compliment the Minnesota Catholic Conference and Minnesota's Catholic bishops on their compassionate and concise statement opposing the cuts made by the governor and putting a human face on these unallotments.

SHIRLEY HAGERTY, ST. MICHAEL

The American Medical Association represents only 20 percent of U.S. physicians, yet continues to hold the platform and a narrow point of view of health care that begins from a flawed premise -- that no one will get everything they want from health care reform.

I recently heard a health care executive pose this question: What if the question changes from how do we cut costs (i.e., unprofitable patients) to how can we serve everyone who needs care?

PATRICIA NEAL, EDINA

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Last week, 50 Minnesotans concerned about the future arrived home after an advocacy bus trip to Washington, D.C. We were all ages and different faiths, from a 7-year-old Muslim boy to a couple of cane-wielding women in their 70s.

Health care for all was the mission of our effort, which was partly facilitated by the Isaiah/Gamaliel Foundation. Our message: A public option should not be optional. It'll foster healthy competition.

We'd heard that the national Chamber of Commerce is mounting a multimillion-dollar campaign to defeat such reform. About 400 of us from across the country gathered on the chamber's doorstep, singing songs and kneeling in prayer for the needs of the American people. We then marched to Freedom Plaza, where prominent interfaith figures spoke out for a public plan.

DIANE STEEN-HINDERLIE,