As the Senate prepares to debate a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning, and appears to be only one vote away from passing it, ThinkProgress has put together a short list of statements from veterans who are opposed to such an amendment. I'll just highlight a couple of them. From Colin Powell:
The First Amendment exists to insure that freedom of speech and expression applies not just to that with which we agree or disagree, but also that which we find outrageous. I would not amend that great shield of democracy to hammer a few miscreants. The flag will still be flying proudly long after they have slunk away.
And from former Senator Bob Kerrey, former Navy SEAL and Congressional Medal of Honor winner:
Real patriotism cannot be coerced. Our freedom to speak was attacked -- not our flag. The former, not the latter, needs the protection of our Constitution and our laws.
Hear, hear.
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I have e-mailed my senators. Has everyone else?
... and I heard back from Sen Saxby Chambliss, who "proudly" supports this resolution.
Well being from Alabama I am sure both my Senators will support the amendment, but I have e-mailed them nonetheless. The Powell quote is good stuff, hadn't heard that before.
As a veteran (more than 20 years active duty, but whose counting?), I took an oath several times during my career. It was not to protect the flag, nor support the president (although I was sworn to uphold his lawful orders), nor to god or mom or apple pie or any other emotion evoking image. No, I swore "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
And you know the law I would like to see passed...
...Anyone who knowingly or reasonably should have known, violates the protections guaranteed by the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution shall be punished by a fine of not less than $200,000 and prison term of not less than 20 years.
I wonder how many flag-wavers in congress will take up my cause? (Alright, I know how many, but it would make a veteran who took his oath seriously proud)