Political Quotes

“I regret that due to a family medical emergency I could not be present today during the debate and votes on H.J. Res. 4, a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States to make burning or otherwise desecrating a United States flag a federal offense. I would, however, like to submit this statement for the record so that my position on this resolution is clear. The flag burning amendment is an emotional issue that in my opinion cuts to the core of the things we hold dear and value as a nation. I do not question anyone's patriotism or conviction no matter where they stand on this issue. Mine is a matter of record. As a member of the Connecticut State Senate I voted to protect the flag, I did so not to limit peoples' freedom of expression, but to limit hateful behavior. Burning the flag is not speech, and as an expression it seeks to engender hate. I am not a constitutional scholar, but have long felt that honoring my father's memory and that of so many veterans of his generation and mine, who have given their lives in defense of the nation should be afforded the respect they richly deserve. I do not believe that we endanger our freedom by protecting the flag and honoring their memory. While I do support this proposed amendment, and have voted for it in the past, I also understand and respect the opinions of those who have expressed concern about the possibility that this amendment could affect First Amendment rights guaranteed under the U.S.”