POLITICS AND SPORTS – SHOULD THEY BE MIXED TOGETHER?
In early September 1814, Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer and amateur poet, accompanied Col. John Skinner to negotiate a prisoner release with several officers of the British Navy. During the negotiations, he and Skinner were informed the British intended to attack the city of Baltimore and Fort McHenry. They were not permitted to leave until the attack was over. They watched the bombardment with apprehension. Inspired by seeing the American flag flying in the morning, after the attack, Key…