Thursday, June 23, 2005

Flag-Burning Amendment

The House passed its flag-burning amendment, as it always does, but for the first time it looks like the Senate might actually have enough votes for a two-thirds majority to pass the amendment. At that point, as you all know, it would get thrown to the states, and 38 of the 50 state legislatures would have to approve it in order for it to become part of the Constitution.

I find the burning of the flag in protest distasteful. I would never do it. But I also find the precedent of infringing on the First Amendment frightening. I'm not a slippery slope guy, but amending the Constitution to take away rights is a dangerous precedent. Look at how well Prohibition worked, right?

Of the Mind agrees, as does The People's Republic of Seabrook. The blogosphere seems uncharacteristically united on this issue, though some evidently need some education on the subject.

Fargus...