Protect the Flag, but Not Those Who Fight For it
A constitutional amendment to limit our rights is a very frightening thing. Even more frightening is the rationale that "the flag is an inspirational banner that helps the troops fight." The Congress was ever so quick to invoke our troops serving in harm's way, while conversely refusing to pay the 75.00 each it would take to upgrade their helmets and save countless lives.
Amending the constitution to prevent free speech while refusing to mandate that the United States not use torture is another ridiculous pantomime of justice. Wasting time on amendments like this rather than reading free trade bills that turn our ports over to foreign governments or allowing 3000 foreign workers into the US to rebuild the Gulf Coast when there are thousands of unemployed already in that area, and STILL not producing an appropriate bill for dealing with illegal aliens is just plain ridiculous. Wake up, Americans. Kick them all out.
cbs4.com - Senate Rejects Amendment To Ban Flag Desecration:
(AP) WASHINGTON A constitutional amendment to ban flag desecration died in a Senate cliffhanger Tuesday, a single vote short of the support needed to send it to the states for ratification and four months before voters elect a new Congress.
The 66-34 tally in favor of the amendment was one less than the two-thirds required. The House surpassed that threshold last year, 286-130.
President Bush, who supports the amendment, called the failed vote unfortunate and commended Republicans and Democrats who voted to move the ratification process forward. In a statement, Bush said he continued to believe that "the American people deserve the opportunity to express their views on this important issue."
The proposed amendment, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, read: "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."