National Anthem

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=668438806220

I know exactly what happened here. To protect the first amendment right of free speech and to protect the sacred ground of memorials and historic spaces the supreme court allowed the National Park Service to create protected zones and free expression zones in the areas they administer. The protected zone could possibly be used for an event or speech if a permit were issued.

Specifically when you visit the Lincoln "Memorial" there are signs requesting quiet and respect while visiting the upper memorial area. Rangers frequently remind people to not have music or loud behavior in this zone. The quiet zone extends from the main floor down the front steps to the first landing. When some in the high school group started singing the National Anthem they were politely requested not to sing there. The group then banded together and all began to sing again and more loudly. At this point the rangers interrupted them to again request they move from that area.

The point here is that to have freedom of speech and protection of other interests the content of the speech is not at issue. The federal law, as written by congress and affirmed by the supreme court, was being enforced by the rangers. It didn't matter who was singing what, it just wasn't allowed in that area without a permit. If these students had been one landing down it wouldn't have been an issue. I can imagine these same students would have been appalled if some other country's anthem was being sung in that same location.

Remember all our freedoms exist only through the rule and respect for the law. And if we don't like the laws we have a way to change them.