Oy vey, my head is too full of thoughts Mormon right now to begin to separate and weave something here. Suffice it to say they really, really like the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Google it, the title of the song, see what you get. I ran into it today looking for a video of Andy Williams singing at Bobby Kennedy's funeral. His reference was deeply personal, about a family's literal, physical sacrifice for equal opportunities and peace. The Mormons i think, have a very different connection to the song, more about holy wars and future one world order.
I have some ideas about why, for another time, but for now wanted to share this. To me, it seems also appropriate for the Mormon big-business-church-state conglomeration. That's my bias, regardless, it's a witty little ditty. Take it to be about imminent domain posing as democracy, or add your own labels and share~
Mark Twain's parody of the Battle Hymn of the Republic
written approximately 1900
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Mine eyes have seen the orgy of the launching of the Sword;
He is searching out the hoardings where the stranger's wealth is stored; He hath loosed his fateful lightnings,
and with woe and death has scored; His lust is marching on.
I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded him an altar in the Eastern dews and damps; I have read his doomful mission by the dim and flaring lamps -- His night is marching on.
I have read his bandit gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my pretensions, so with you my wrath shall deal; Let the faithless son of Freedom crush the patriot with his heel; Lo, Greed is marching on!"
We have legalized the strumpet and are guarding her retreat;* Greed is seeking out commercial souls before his judgement seat; O, be swift, ye clods, to answer him! be jubilant my feet! Our god is marching on!
In a sordid slime harmonious Greed was born in yonder ditch, With a longing in his bosom -- and for others' goods an itch.
As Christ died to make men holy, let men die to make us rich -- Our god is marching on.
written approximately 1900
-----------------------------------------------
Mine eyes have seen the orgy of the launching of the Sword;
He is searching out the hoardings where the stranger's wealth is stored; He hath loosed his fateful lightnings,
and with woe and death has scored; His lust is marching on.
I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded him an altar in the Eastern dews and damps; I have read his doomful mission by the dim and flaring lamps -- His night is marching on.
I have read his bandit gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my pretensions, so with you my wrath shall deal; Let the faithless son of Freedom crush the patriot with his heel; Lo, Greed is marching on!"
We have legalized the strumpet and are guarding her retreat;* Greed is seeking out commercial souls before his judgement seat; O, be swift, ye clods, to answer him! be jubilant my feet! Our god is marching on!
In a sordid slime harmonious Greed was born in yonder ditch, With a longing in his bosom -- and for others' goods an itch.
As Christ died to make men holy, let men die to make us rich -- Our god is marching on.
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