Actually, this is the fourth verse that's being quoted See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner.
Still... Imagine the Libs whining like a stuck pig if this was sung! They'd all yell that this was Republican propaganda and that how dare they polticize the National Anthem.
I'd also like to revive the singing of all four verses of "America The Beautiful", especially the third and fourth verses of it:
****
Oh beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
'Til all success be nobleness, and ev'ry gain divine!
Oh beautiful, for patriot's dream
That sees, beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!
****
It's interesting that what were once great and moving lyrics are now too politically charged to sing.
It probably has more to do with the time required to sing all 4 verses, than the content. Wouldn't work on tv or sports events, and that's where about 90% of the singing of the Nationa Anthem is.