National Anthem

     When will WAISers learn that I am always--well, almost always-- right, and that, in any case I go down fighting. I won the battle of the turkey, and now I claim to have won the battle of the Brazilian anthem. Tor Guimaraes said he did not think the Brazilian national anthem mentioned love, but I have it, music and all, in my hand. Here are the relevant lines:


     "a deeper love we know within your bosom...
     symbolic of the love that fills your story...
     Oh bounteous mother, with such love you fill
     Your proud children..."


     The Positivist motto of Brazil is "Order and progress, and, above all, love." Brazil has avoided wars and revolutions, unlike most other countries which have bellicose national anthems. Now I must check Brazil's national bird. I think it is the sabiá, which sings beautifully, probably the only national animal which does so. It is soul music.

Ronald Hilton - 12/7/99