Implications of this week's Senate vote on the flag desecration amendment

one man's opinion..

[ken5050]

In an article in today's NY Times about the legislative agenda for Congress, which returns today; an unnamed Democrat said that he expects Frist to call up the "Flag Desecration Amendment" for a vote TOMORROW. Brilliant strategy, but I, sadly, haven't been really following this issue at all, and there's nothing recent about it on FR.

[ken5050]

I gather it's passed the House many times, but always failed in the Senate. Did Kerry and Edwards both vote against it previously?. Would they be expected to return to vote, or stay out on the campaign trail and ignore it?

Nice to see Frist and the GOP leadership playing hardball. It's the kind of "snapshot" image that the Dems will be hung with. Did Daschle vote against it ?. Othe Dems who are also up this year? Hard to explain that to the voters of South Dakota, yet it's probably more dangerous if he, or Kerry flip/flops on the issue.

Just wanted to toss this out for any comments, info, links others might have. It is an important amendment, though symbolic, but symbolism can be powerful. Some of the pictures of the demonstrators at the GOP convention horribly maligned the American flag. I expect to see many of these on the Senate floor during the debate.

[jbwbubba]

Edwards went out of his way to vote against it a few weeks ago. If Frist brought it up, the dems would filbuster and Kerry and Edwards wouldn't vote on it. Then the press would call it a dirty trick

[ZGuy]

From the Miami Herald :

Both parties have a distinct political agenda that they plan to pursue.

Democrats say they will pressure the Republicans to fully embrace the Sept. 11 commission's 41 recommendations or face the political consequences.

Republicans in both chambers intend to use their power to schedule legislation in an effort to put Democrats on the spot.

In the House, the majority plans a vote this month on the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and will force floor fights over abortion, taxes, and reforms to the legal system.

In the Senate, Democrats say they expect a floor vote this week on a constitutional amendment barring flag desecration.

[finnman69]

"For it has been said so truthfully that it is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the agitator, who has given us the freedom to protest.It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives that protester the freedom he abuses to burn that flag." - Zell Miller

[Cal Gonzalez]

Flag burning is displeasing, but it's free expression
Q: Should the Constitution be amended to prohibit burning the American flag?
A: Our country is defined by the rights we protect, and those of us who fought for freedom and put our lives on the line defended the right of people to do things that we disagree with. I would not be pleased to see someone burning the flag because I love the flag, but the Constitution that I fought for preserves the right of free expression.

Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, "Flag Amendment" Jan 25, 2004



Voted NO on Amendment to prohibit flag burning.
Approval of a constitutional amendment which would prohibit desecration or burning of the U.S. flag.
Status: Joint Res. Defeated Y)63; N)36
Reference: Flag Desecration Bill; Bill S. J. Res. 31 ; vote number 1995-600 on Dec 12, 1995


THIS IS FROM ISSUE2000.ORG WEB SITE


4 MORE YEARS

[Cal Gonzalez]

MY APPOLGIES. OVBIOUSLY THIS IS KERRY TALKING.

[taxcontrol]

Frist should push for it to be a roll call vote.

[lugsoul]

I know that some FReepers like to treat this as some kind of winning issue, and like to treat support for an amendment as some kind of conservative position. All I have to say about that is that I proudly share the position of Antonin Scalia on the question of flag burning, and I am appalled that those who claim to be pro-freedom would adopt any other.

[lugsoul]

Yes. He should make those who are against free speech stand up and say it out loud.

[Cboldt]

   It is the soldier, not the reporter,
   Who has given us freedom of the press.
   It is the soldier, not the poet,
   Who has given us freedom of speech.
   It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
   Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
   It is the soldier,
   Who salutes the flag,
   Who serves beneath the flag,
   And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
   Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
                                             
                                                             Father Denis Edward O'Brien USMC

http://www.sid-ss.net/write/soldr.htm

[elder5]

One Question.
If I were to burn a "Rainbow Flag" in downtown Portland, Oregon I would be arrested for a hate crime against gays.
Well, I served under our Flag, That Flag represents my country, My values, and my Family. Burning it IMO is a hate crime against all that I stand for!