The Senate is one vote away from passing a Constitutional amendment outlawing desecration of the flag.
I'm appalled. I didn't much care about this when it stood little chance of passing, considering it yet another wedge issue designed to distract us from actual important things. But this thing might actually pass when it comes to a vote in a couple of weeks.
Here's what supporters say:
"The American flag is a unique symbol that should be protected," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the chief sponsor.
To which I reply: "And what do you think makes it a unique symbol?"
I didn't join the Army to defend a piece of cloth; I joined the Army to defend what that piece of cloth represents. And what it represents is individual freedom, including freedom of speech -- which includes moronic things like burning flags.
When protesters burn American flags -- something that, by the way, happens exceedingly rarely in this country -- they mostly demonstrate what idiots they are. But they also demonstrate the fundamental vitality of this country. In this country you can burn the flag and nobody will arrest you; that stark fact is part of what makes America a great nation.
Some people want to change that. We're going to stomp all over the meaning of the flag in order to protect the physical structure of the flag. Which just makes the flag more worthy of burning, not less.
Totalitarian countries place symbols on legal pedestals, because there's no other way to inspire reverence for them. Free countries let their symbols earn respect, and recognize that freedom includes the freedom to spit on the symbols of that freedom.
The only people desecrating the flag in any meaningful way are the ones who support this amendment. I'm ashamed to report that that includes both Minnesota senators. Norm Coleman (an amendment co-sponsor) I can understand; he's a wholly owned subsidiary of the Republican Party. But I'm extremely disappointed in Mark Dayton. He should know better. A lot better.
For a whole lot more on flag burning, including essays and a legislative and legal history, go here.
Update: former Sen. Bob Kerrey (a Vietnam vet) feels much the same way.
freedom, flag desecration, flag burning, free speech, politics, midtopia
1 comment:
I agree to all that you have written.
In proposing such amendments and in many of the things that the republicans are doing, I see a great ( probably unconscious) attempt at oversimplifying all issues in public debate. This particular amendment seems to be designed for republicans who can shore up their semi-literate,red neck electorate base.
I am sure confederate flag loving George Allen and his likes are going to vote overwhelmingly in favor of it
I am originally from India and I grew up in era of socialist policies of the 80's and 90's ( Not that India is any different now) . Showing 'respect' to the flag involved ( and involves even now) a Flag code, which among other things an official permission to hoist a flag in your property,and the method to fold it! etc, and of course burning it is an unimaginable crime.
I would love if someone tells the republicans, in this case ,how similar they are to the socialists and commies of the rest of the world
GK
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