Actually the Star Spangled Banner sucks as an anthem, most people actually prefer, America, The Beautiful. But trying getting the politicians to change it, too many plugs up their asses.
As for our version of English, language tends to be fluid anyway, especially english. Then again WHO speaks the "Kings or Queens" English in the UK anymore! It was nobodies whim, it's just the way it goes!
I'll take your word for it that your friends report is a good read. I'm not exactly an "America love it or leave it" type, it's the politicians and the mindless morons that keep electing those politicians that make me cynical.
Still a bad day in America is better than a good day in many other places in the world!