In its 218 years, the U.S. Constitution has never been amended to take away even one of the freedoms guaranteed to the American people. But there is now a real risk that Congress will set just such an abridgement in motion. If that happens, Sen. Ken Salazar will be at the head of the parade.
Salazar announced Thursday he would co- sponsor a constitutional amendment to overturn two Supreme Court decisions that said burning the flag is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment. An Associated Press survey shows Salazar’s support brings the amendment within two votes of the two-thirds majority it needs to pass the Senate and head for the states for ratification.
Salazar said he backs the amendment because, “The flag is special and deserves our reverence and protection.” We don’t disagree, but the Constitution is even more deserving. Trampling on freedom of expression diminishes the flag, it doesn’t protect it.
The House has passed the flag amendment four times, but the pre-Salazar Senate has always blocked the way. We hope it will do so again. To their credit, in the House, Reps. Diana DeGette and Mark Udall voted to uphold the Constitution as it now stands.
We urge the Senate to weigh the words of Gary E. May, chairman of Veterans Defending the Bill of Rights, who lost two legs in Vietnam: “This amendment would not honor veterans; it would attack the very principles that inspired us to serve our country. My fellow veterans fought for a set of ideals that binds this varied and dynamic nation together. We defended this country’s autonomy, not a piece of cloth. We fought for a society free of repression and filled with open debate.” The Senate should not let their fight be in vain.
