May 1st and the National Anthem

May first there will be a general strike by immigrants, both documented and undocumented. The impuse is to take the day off in support, although to some extent that would defeat the purpose, which is to show America exactly how much they are integrated into the economy.

Perhaps there should be a second general strike for those of us who sympathize, and who sympathize with the plight of workers everywhere, immigrant and native, who are treated as wage slaves by the capitalist system.

One employer who should honor the boycott is the Federal Government. George Bush says he is for the Senate Bill. He should put his money where his mouth is and send the government (and the government contractors) home at noon. I gaurantee you this would become the story of the day.

On the related topic of the Star Spangled Banner, last I checked the song is in the public domain. Anyone can legally render it in any way they wish. The fact that the song is recognized as the National Anthem has no bearing on this right. In fact, it strengthens this. What part of "The Congress shall make no law restricting the freedom of speech...." don't you understand?