To the editor:

Friedrich Schiller’s drinking song deluxe, “An die Freude,” provided the lyrics for Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op.125 ‘Choral.’” Beethoven edited out some of the less appropriate lines, like:

Lasst den Schaum zum Himmel

spruetzen,

Dieses Glas dem Guten Geist!

The hymn “Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee” is an adaptation of Beethoven’s tune.

Now comes Mr. Jim Nevermann to desecrate the music (cleverly, it must be admitted) to lampoon our fundamental right of self-defense, bestowed by the Creator, the Founders thought, and recognized in our Constitution. In the poet’s words — Untergang der Luegenbrut! [Downfall to the brood of liars.]

Jon Berg

Freeland