Members of Congress recently re-introduced a bill calling for a Constitutional amendment to protect the American flag from desecration. The proposed amendment reads, “Congress shall have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.”
Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.) and Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) introduced the bill in the House, while Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Sen. Max Cleland (D-Ga.) introduced the bill in the Senate.
Supporters of the flag amendment maintain that protecting a symbol of American freedom is more important than protecting political freedom itself. Murtha told Cybercast News Service,
The flag is a solemn and sacred symbol of the many sacrifices made by our founding fathers and our veterans throughout several wars as they fought to establish and protect the founding principles of our nation. Veterans in particular and many other Americans as well feel deeply insulted when they see our flag being desecrated.
Somebody’s insulted by other people’s actions? Better act quit to outlaw the insult.
But the best line belongs to Cunningham who was deliciously Orwellian, telling CNS,
The American flag is a national treasure. It is the ultimate symbol of freedom, equal opportunity and religious tolerance.
What better way to celebrate freedom, opportunity and tolerance by putting people in jail for desecrating the American flag to make a political statement?
Source:
Flag protection amendment reintroduced in Congress. Jim Burns, Cybercast News Service, March 14, 2001.