Jasper Packard: “the United State is often referred to as the great American ``melting pot''--a blend of many different people, cultures…”

“the United State is often referred to as the great American ``melting pot''--a blend of many different people, cultures, and heritages. The American flag represents this diversity; it embodies the values, traditions, and aspirations that bind us together as a nation. It stands above our differences and it unites us in war and peace. No other symbol is so readily recognized as the American flag nor says ``America'' quite so eloquently. The beauty and significance of our flag has always inspired Americans to provide some measure of protection from abuse. In fact, the first flag protection laws were enacted in the 1880's. For more than 100 years, our flag enjoyed legal protection. In 1984, 48 States and the Federal Government had laws to safeguard our flag. Five years later, in a 5 to 4 split decision, the U.S. Supreme Court stripped away the people's right to shield the American flag from intentional, public desecration. Americans were outraged by this decision. Mr. Speaker, America is a beacon of democracy and hope in a world plagued by turmoil and depression. Flag desecration is a slap in the face to all those who have worked to make the United States the model among nations and freedom a guaranteed right. For these reasons, I intend to support passage of House Joint Resolution 54, introduced by my colleague Gerald Solomon, which will permit Congress and the States to prohibit the physical desecration of our flag.”