I notice in the news that the House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for an amendment making flag burning a crime. It goes to the Senate, where, if it passes, it will be put before the legislatures, requiring three-fourths of them to assent before the Amendment becomes law.
I oppose such an amendment. I believe that the flag of the United States is strong enough to cover those who would burn it disrespectfully. I think such a display is distasteful, immature, and a poor metaphor for dissent. Still, it shouldn't be criminal.
I have burned flags, in accordance with Title 4 of the US Code. I have taught the ceremony of retiring a tattered, torn, frayed, or soiled flag. Always with respect, always with honor, the burning of a flag can be a magnificently spiritual ceremony, marked with honor and dignity. Those who understand the ceremony react as if at a funeral for a wonderfully loved friend. Those who have never attended the ceremony come away with knowledge and understanding of something that transcends them.
Those who choose to burn the flag without respect deserve our rancor and our revulsion, yet the act itself should not be criminal. The legislatures of the various states, and the Congress of this United States would better use their time by amending the Constitution to overturn the Kelo decision.
1 comment:
Other than many years ago during the Vietnam conflict, almost all flag desecrations are by demonstrators in places like Iran. They could care less about a U.S. Constitutional amendment. But the real problem lies in defining "desecration." For example, if some cop doesn't like the cut of my hair or the color of my skin and I happen to be wearing a red cap, a white t-shirt, and blue jeans.
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