John Cornyn: “I thank the Chair. I am glad to be here in the Chamber during the remarks of the Senator from Utah and have him explain…”

“I thank the Chair. I am glad to be here in the Chamber during the remarks of the Senator from Utah and have him explain for all of our benefit his position on important issues such as flag desecration. While I think some of us differ about the means to the end, I think the end is important, and that is protecting the symbol of our country and the symbol of our freedom. For myself, I think if we can offer protection to a symbol of our country like the bald eagle, then we should offer protection to other symbols of our country including our flag. But I always consider Senator Bennett to be one of the wise men in the Senate, and I certainly defer to his great judgment and wisdom. I appreciate his introduction today, and I look forward to studying it more closely. Exhibit 1 [From the Deseret Morning News, Jun. 24, 2005] Dump the Flag Amendment Once again, the House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment to protect the American flag from desecration. This is an annual event almost as predictable as the swallows returning to Capistrano. So, too, is the Senate's annual ritual of not passing it. This year, there is reason to think the Senate may be inching closer to passing it, and that's a concern. Few things are as reprehensible as watching someone protest the government by burning the flag. Particularly at a time when the nation is involved in a military conflict, it is a stunning affront to brave men and women who are sacrificing their all for freedom.…”