From a lot of the right-wing punditry over the weekend, many conservatives are upset about a congressional Republican resolution that “introduces a Constitutional Amendment to give Congress the authority to prohibit burning the American flag.”
It was proposed by Representative Steve Womack (R-AR) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).
Womack said in a statement:
“Our flag is more than a cloth painted red, white, and blue. It is a symbol of worldwide freedom, unity, and liberty. It has guided troops into battle, flown during our triumphs and challenges, and is placed over the caskets of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Generations have fought to defend our stars and stripes – and the American people have simply given too much for the flag to not have the ability to protect it.”
Yuck.
What’s worse is that President Donald Trump endorses the policy, tweeting:
“All in for Senator Steve Daines as he proposes an Amendment for a strong BAN on burning our American Flag. A no brainer!”
Trump should read Voltaire, who said, “I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Flag-burning is speech, which is protected by the First Amendment. Why does the GOP suddenly hate free speech? Well, at least they’re seeking out a constitutional amendment and not just passing bills to achieve their goals.
So there is that…
…
Sad!
I am SAD to say I voted for Steve Daines. I will be contacting him and tell him if he does not pull his endorsement for this very STUPID violation of our first amendment rights, he will not get my vote ever again. As a USAF retiree who served during Desert Storm, I feel the ability to burn the flag to show the distrust one feels about our political elite and the mistakes they have made is one of the great thing about the U.S. Constitution.
Talk about not upholding the Constitution, he has failed in his oath of office on this one.