When I picture someone contemptuously burning the flag, I always picture the specific flag that was draped over my uncle David’s coffin. Uncle David died inside a tank, in Europe, during World War II, wearing the uniform of his country.
I may well be approaching this overloaded with emotion, and not considering the very rational arguments against this amendment.
Fair request, especially since I agree that I may be deciding based on very personal reasons, which are not always the best reasons for legislating.
The Devil is in the definitions. Clearly, this must be an “anti-desecration” amendment, not an “anti-burning”. Can’t go to all that trouble and just ban disrespectful burning (Respectful burning being not only acceptable but obligatory, according to my Boy Scout Handbook). It must, of course, include such acts as smearing disgusting substances upon it. Spitting surely will count as a desecration, or any urinary or ejaculatory liquid. How about banging it with your shoe, Iraq style? Would that only be illegal for Iraqi-Americans? Can you flip the flag the bird? If soiled by a pigeon, must we shoot the pigeon?
Perhaps we should go a bit futher, demand some sort respectful gesture, some positive affirmation, tug the forelock, genuflection, a curtsey, something along those lines.
On second thought, let’s forget this whole stupid idea.
Actually according to some flag enthusiast site I was reading some of the newer flags are made from polymers and they recomend burying them in boxes rather than burning. I forget where they are on the 'net or I would link you. I need to find them again to point out that St David is the patron saint of Wales not Cornwall.
If such an amendment became part of the Constitution, would it be considered “desecration” if someone refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance?
For all the criticism from conservatives about “political correctness,” I’m not aware of any liberals wanting to change the Constitution to prohibit something that offends them.