STARS AND STRIPES SHOULD BE PROTECTED

Freedom of speech as found in the Constitution reflects the wisdom of the Founding Fathers to instill as one of the freedoms of our nation the right of anyone to voice their dissentiion to the government. Freedom of speech is just as it is stated the freedom to speak freely without the fear of arrest or the censure of the government for voicing ones opinion. The United States Senate defeated by one vote an amendment to protect the flag from burning or other forms of destruction other than the burning of a flag in respected retirement of that flag. Those who opposed this amendment state that the flag is just a symbol and that freedom of speech means the right to burn the flag to exercise that freedom. I totally disagree. Though the flag is a symbol of this nation it is not just a symbol that has no meaning. Wherever Old glory flies it symbolizes what this nation stands for. As the flag waves in the breeze those who gaze at the Stars and Stripes realize that it represents the land of the free and the home of the brave. Is it freedom of speech to desecrate a symbol that embodies the very principles for which this nation stands ? There are many ways of expressing ones freedom of speech and flag burning does not have to be that expression. Those who consider us an enemy burn our flag because of what it stands for as an affront and insult to every American. Is that the meaning of freedom of speech for those who burn the flag in protest? Yet this symbol that has flown over countless gravesite of fallen hero's, has lead thousands of brave Americans into battles for freedom, has been the last honor of recognition for the ultimate sacrifice as the flag is lifted and folded in respect for a fallen hero, this symbol of liberty deserves no protection from desecration ? I think not. If the flag is just a symbol and deserves no protection then why not paint graffiti on the Lincoln Memorial after all it is only a symbol. Why not chip a piece of granite off of the Capitol Building because it too is just a symbol. Of course this would be considered vandalism yet the premise of desecration to a national symbol is no different. When the flag is flown is deserves and receives our respect because of all who have died to insure that it continues to fly. It receives our respect because of the embodiment of the nation that we love that it represents. For something that encompasses all of this to not receive protection from desecration is wrong. We protect the documents that gave birth to this nation yet the flag which flew over the very buildings that those precious documents were forged in deserves no protection ? Yes the flag is a symbol. A symbol of the United States of America and all that she stands for. A symbol of the men and women who have fought to keep the flag waving. A symbol of great sacrifice for liberty and freedom. A symbol of the light of liberty throughout the world. A symbol of the freedoms that we all have as Americans. A symbol that deserves the protection and respect of the people and the government of the very nation for which this symbol represents. This amendment will come before the Senate again. The House has already past it and the Senate will have another opportunity because it only failed by one vote. There are many who will say that there are more pressing issues that the Senate should occupy their time with. Yes there are more pressing issues but the protection of the flag and the insurance that it can fly without threat of destruction for lack of another form of protest is also important and should be legislation that the Senate passes and an amendment to the Constitution.

Ken Taylor