Political Quotes

“the United States flag is one of the two most enduring symbols of our freedom and liberty. I believe that those who desecrate the flag degrade themselves and I find it a reprehensible act. So too, it is reprehensible for people to express hateful language against our country and some of our citizens. One of the values our flag represents is the freedom of expression. The United States and our cherished freedom are strong enough to withstand assaults of the crude, the bigoted and the hateful. The strength to withstand assaults comes from the other enduring symbol of our liberty: the Constitution. We should not trivialize the importance of that document, especially the freedom of speech enshrined in the First Amendment, by rushing to change the Great Document when we are offended by acts. Because Americans honor this cherished symbol, I understand the rage and disgust most of us feel towards those who made their points by trampling on our flag. It is important to note that flag burning today is not a major problem. Throughout my years in Congress, only one constituent has voiced his concerns regarding flag burning, and none back home in Oregon. The proposed constitutional amendment is the wrong way to protect the flag. Ironically, it would be the fastest way to make the very rare occurrences of flag burning more frequent.”