What everyone think of flag-burning?????
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ss...29195271500.xml Flag-burning ban abuses freedom
Friday, July 01, 2005
The U.S. House of Representatives passage of a Constitutional amendment to ban flag burning diminishes a principle of the freedom for which it stands. The flag is a symbol that needs no protection. The Senate should, as it has in the past, show more common sense and patriotism. More pressing issues face this country. Congress need not worry about the antics of attention seekers. This legislation won't improve anyone's life or save the country.
Last week, the House of Representatives voted 286 to 130 to give Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the United States flag. Representatives Vernon Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids and Peter Hoekstra, R-Holland, continued to show great political courage by once again opposing the measure's infringement on unfettered expression.
In 1989, the Supreme Court correctly found that flag burning was a constitutionally protected form of free speech. A two-thirds vote by the Senate, plus approval by 38 states within seven years is required to add a flag-burning ban to the Constitution. The regularly pursued ban has always died in the Senate and should this time.
Many well-meaning Americans who appreciate the benefits of living in this country support the proposal. Flag burning is a disturbing, offen
sive act but true freedom applies to reprehensible expression, too. Our freedoms are what separates us from countries such as China and Cuba. This nation does not want to start limiting rights because of where it could lead.
Desecrating the flag doesn't actually hurt someone. Flag-burning is not the same as trying to bring down the government. This is an act of heat, meant to offend, but not incendiary to anything but a symbol.
Flag-burning rarely occurs in this country. Even in the midst of an increasingly unpopular Iraq War and hot-button issues such as unemployment, Social Security and health care, people are not setting fire to Old Glory. Congress does not need to manufacture nonexistent problems to fix. There are more than enough legitimate ones.
Respect for the flag is an emotional issue but patriotism and allegiance cannot be legislated. Michigan's senators should protect the flag by voting against banning it from abuse. The freedoms the flag stand for cannot be destroyed by fire. Tolerance of every scream and whisper is what gives this nation such a powerful voice.