Alter: Flag Burning Ban is a Bad Idea By Jonathan Alter. Newsweek
Our understandable outrage at flag burning shouldn’t turn our brains to mush. “I feel the same sense of outrage, but I would not amend that great shield of democracy [the Constitution] to hammer a few miscreants,” Colin Powell said when the issue last came up (his position has not changed). “The flag will be flying proudly long after they have slunk away.” Powell argues that a constitutional ban on flag burning is a sign of weakness and fear. Note: The other countries that have banned flag burning include Cuba, China, Iran and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. …
Actually, even during the Vietnam War, flag burning was rare. By one count, there have been only 45 such incidents in 200 years, and fewer than half a dozen since it was outlawed in 1989. Should the Constitution be amended, however, the incidence of flag burning is expected to surge as a form of civil disobedience. What began as a phony issue designed to prove patriotism (usually on the part of those who never served, the primary sponsors) could become a real concern. …
Banning flag burning, in the words of Justice Antonin Scalia, “dilutes the very freedom that makes this emblem so revered.” …
Democrats mostly oppose the amendment. But at last count, 13 will support it: Max Baucus of Montana, Evan Bayh of Indiana, Mark Dayton of Minnesota, Dianne Feinstein of California, Tim Johnson of South Dakota, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Bill Nelson of Florida, Harry Reid of Nevada, Ken Salazar of Colorado, Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. Bob Menendez [of New Jersey] is on the fence and leaning toward supporting the amendment. [mjh: I’m stunned Feinstein is for this constitutional amendment.]
John Prine – Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Lyrics — John Prine
But, you flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven anymore.
They’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war
Now Jesus don’t like Killin’
No matter what the reasons for.
And your flag decal won’t get you into Heaven anymore.