Unlike many, I proudly have several litmus tests that I subject to my politicians. The issue on flag-burning is, believe it or not, one of them.
I am wholeheartedly and strongly opposed to any amendment to the Constitution that rescinds in any ways the precious few actual rights of dissent that we have.
Wesley Clark has come out in favor of an amendment to the Constitution on burning the flag.
This is remarkably short-sighted, and I cannot support a man who believes such a thing. Until such time as he contritely gets down on his knees and begs the press and the Democratic Party for forgiveness, I am withdrawing my support for the man.
Yes, it's that serious to me. Clark may have received donations from me, but for now, he has lost my primary vote. (Yes, I'd even vote for a man who failed my litmus tests in the general election. ABB.)
POSTSCRIPT: Dick Gephardt and Dennis Kucinich have also supported the ban. The other candidates, so far as I know, have not. Which means: I can support the flailing campaign of Kerry, the lagging campaign of Edwards, the risky campaign of Dean, or the nonexistant campaigns of race-baiter Sharpton or Earth Mother Moseley Braun.
Really, it's between Dean and Edwards. I suddenly have a lot of thinking to do.
(This has been crossposted from my blog.)