National Anthem

So on the way home from work today I caught an NPR bit on fact that some latino musicians have translated the national anthem into Spanish. The general subtext of the piece which we are supposed to assume without question is that this is somehow disrespectful. I have never understood that way of thinking. The anthem, like the flag, is nothing but a symbol and the only power or place it has is its ability to convey an idea.

Incorporating the symbol into a new version assists it having meaning for more people, it isn't disrespectful, quite the opposite, it gives it new life and power. Jimi Hendrix gave it new power when he remade it in the image of his generation. It is an honorific to use the symbol in a new way.

I just don't understand the people who believe symbols shouldn't be used. Up on a shelf they have no power and serve no function it is only with their use and periodic re-invention that they continue to have meaning to actual people rather than staid institutions.