At the risk of being drummed out of the liberal community, I have to say that I am in favor of a constitutional amendment banning burning or other desecration of the American flag.
Yes, I know it is an issue of free speech. I also know that burning is the approved method of disposing of a damaged flag. I also think the Republicans are being political opportunists by introducing this amendment. They are clearly trying to change the subject.
That said, I think it is really inappropriate and unAmerican to desecrate the flag in any way. I grew up pledging allegiance to that flag every morning. Our national pledge of allegiance is to the FLAG. Our national anthem is also a hymn to the FLAG. In the Marine Corps, I was trained to salute that FLAG whenever I saw it.
I really don't see how freedom of speech would be compromised by outlawing flag burning. We are still perfectly free to express our disagreement with the government and our political leaders. Plus, some really dumb left-wing liberals like to burn the flag at antiwar protests. Don't you understand that videotape of flag burnings is used by conservatives to discredit liberals and the antiwar movement?
Put me down on the list of patriotic Americans who think that burning or desecrating the symbol of our nation should be illegal.
William Coleman