The BALL REPORTS

Freedom Of Speech or Constitutional Issue, Burning the American Flag

June 25, 2006

The debate over a constitutional amendment to ban the burning of the U.S. flag is a deeply important conversation for our country, especially as we continue to fight for our liberties against the threat of terrorism. As our forefathers fought before us, and as our soldiers fight today in Afghanistan and Iraq, we must remind ourselves of the purpose of our sacrifices – liberty and freedom.

By injecting such a flag-burning amendment into the Constitution, we would essentially be saying to those who wish us harm that the symbol of our freedom is so delicate and so frail that it must be physically protected by our Constitution. Conversely, if we can say that our freedoms are so great that they cannot be affected by the mere destruction of their symbol, then we have won the war of ideals and have shown the world that freedom is worth fighting for.

Let us remember those countries and religions that enforce punishments on persons who desecrate their beloved symbols and let us understand how we differentiate ourselves from such idolatry. We stand for principles, not for symbols. When we salute the flag, we salute the principles behind the flag.

The flag-burning amendment is a desecration of the principles that this country fights for every minute of every day. The next time you pledge allegiance to the flag, please think about the strength of the symbol of our country.

WAYNE HARRIS
San Diego

Wayne Harris (San Diego, letters to Editor) Guest: Opinion

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