That pesky Abraham Lincoln

The Maryland state legislature is debating whether or not to amend the lyrics to the official state song, 'Maryland, My Maryland'. They're kind of belligerent, you see. Although I wonder why they've not been bothered until now - after all, they've been in use since 1939:

The song begins with a hostile reference to President Abraham Lincoln, who brought troops through Baltimore en route to protect Washington: "The despot's heel is on thy shore, Maryland! His torch is at thy temple door, Maryland!"

It ends with a call for the state to stand up to the Union: "She is not dead, nor deaf, nor dumb — Huzza! She spurns the Northern scum! She breaths! She burns! She'll come! Maryland! My Maryland!"

- San Francisco Chronicle, 24 March 2009

[Courtesy of Fark]