Byron Dorgan: “I voted against a constitutional amendment to prohibit flag desecration both as a Member of the House of Representatives…”

“I voted against a constitutional amendment to prohibit flag desecration both as a Member of the House of Representatives and also previously as a Member of the Senate. But it has been very difficult, largely because I believe, as do most Americans, that desecrating our flag is repugnant. It is an act that none of us would find anything other than disgusting. Yet the question is not that; the question is, Shall we amend the Constitution of the United States? As I said on two previous occasions, I have voted against a constitutional amendment to prohibit the desecration of the flag, not because I believe the flag is not worth protecting--I believe it is worth protecting--but because I believe the Constitution should be altered only rarely and only in circumstances where it is the only method available to achieve a desired result.”