Flag desecration or free speech?
by R. A. Stewart, Open Forum/SF Chronicle

... people may differ in the proper use of the flag -- is it poster or clothing, decoration or design, sales ploy or political posturing, protest or patriotism? Much more important, how would law enforcement tell the difference, if the so-called Flag Burning Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is passed? I have no way to know.

"Just what exact item is this amendment to protect and from what exact acts? As a lawyer (aren't you all?), can you inform me of a written definition of when something is, and is not, a "flag"? And how to tell if a given act is desecration? Are patches on a biker's jeans different than those on a cop's shoulder? Will I be able to wipe corn off my mouth with my star-spangled Fourth of July napkin, but be busted it I blow my nose in it? Is wearing a hat or talking during the flag raising at the ballgame going to be a federal offense? Are red, white and blue swimsuits OK on slim young bodies, but desecration on us old fatties? Can I even put the printed flag that decorates your Senate mailings in the recycle bin? These are real questions, should your amendment become law.

Senators, I have a tall pole and proudly fly a flag over my home every day. I think love and protection for our flag can only be maintained if this 'Republic for which it stands' is deserving of respect, not by laws demanding respect. That necessitates a government less occupied with symbolic posturing and more involved in preventing and solving real problems. "So please, senators, if you really love the flag, get off this amending of our Constitution and get busy on this country's real issues."

R.A. Stewart is a retired captain from the U.S. Army Infantry Branch who lives in Foster City.

Full story here.