Dean wouldn’t change U.S. Constitution for flag

[goobergunch]

January 15, 2002

By DAVID MACE Vermont Press Bureau

MONTPELIER — Gov. Howard Dean said he doesn’t support a constitutional amendment banning flag desecration, but is comfortable with suggesting it to Congress as the Vermont Legislature did last week.

“I favor protection of the flag, but I do not favor a constitutional amendment,” Dean said Monday. “A constitutional amendment should be passed only in very rare circumstances.”

He said that he supported the resolution that passed both the House and Senate last week by wide margins. It voiced support for protecting the flag and suggested a constitutional amendment as one possible option, but stopped short of calling on Congress to take that step.

While the language in the resolution allowed both sides to claim victory in the contentious fight, it has also allowed some politicians like Dean to argue both sides of the issue.

more...http://rutlandherald.com/hdean/40656

Reposted with the original headline in an attempt at fairness.

[Donna Zen]

1. problem with this stance

The Supremes have shot down laws protecting the flag, so the only way to do it is by Amendment.

Dean probably knows that.

[Guaranteed]

3. Bingo.

Excellent point.

So, can we infer that he's really against protecting the flag, then?

[DrFunkenstein]

2. What Does "Protecting" Mean? This Is A Free Speech Issue

This is pure First Amendment. You need another amendment to except it. Other than that, you are talking out of you second mouth.

[Guaranteed]

4. It sounds like his way of saying HELL NO

without actually saying it.

[Eric J in MN]

5. Glad Dean supports civil liberties

goobergunch - I just found this article and was going to post it, but you were first.

I'm glad to know that Howard Dean believes in civil liberties.

[Lefta Dissenter]

6. It sounds more like his way of saying,

"How do you WANT me to answer???"

I think that the Deanies should get their knickers untwisted over Clark's stance. Dean has apparently indicated that he would support an Amendment, if that's what it would take to protect the flag. Well, guess what. That's probably what it would take.

on edit:
from the above-referenced article,
“It says the people of Vermont favor protecting the flag from desecration,” he said. “ ... We are in favor of a constitutional amendment, if that’s what it takes. But we are happy to get anything that says Vermonters are in favor of protecting the flag, as a message to our national legislators. ... What we got was better than nothing.”
(my bolding of text)

[DrFunkenstein]

7. He's Going To Send Out An E-Mail To His Supporters

It's the way a democracy should be run! I am so proud of his grassroots efforts.

[Cronus Protagonist]

9. Bush exercises his free speech on flag desecration (pic)

Bush has no problem with flag desecration:

(completely unretouched photo)



Click Here To See Fair & Balanced Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[LoZoccolo]

12. I remember what a FReeper said about this.

Basically it was like:

That is not a flag, it's a representation of a flag. Does everyone know the difference?

That way, they can all pretend to know the difference, and the guy doesn't have to come up with an explanation that'll get him laughed at by us.

[Guaranteed]

13. LOL

It's a flag representing a flag.

[pansypoo53219]

8. damn

another thing i agree with. GO HOWIE!

[tsipple]

10. Actually, There's One (Possible) Way Around It

You can pass a law that bans burning stuff due to environmental pollution. There'd probably need to be a certain minimum size, otherwise you'd have to ban cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. (You're probably OK to burn a cigar with an American flag wrapper.)

Hardly the most pressing issue though, is it? I wish legislatures would worry about stuff like -- oh, I don't know -- kids abused in foster care, maybe? The 40,000+ people who die on America's highways each year?

[w4rma]

11. Good. The Constitution doesn't need *any* more amendments.

Especially with these crooks in charge.

Let them pass one, and they'll want to pass another and another and another, etc., etc.

[in_cog_ni_to]

14. How can he protect it

without an ammendment? Just curious.

[Donna Zen]

15. He can't

He's trying to slide on this. The GOP will corner him, 'cause there is nothing they like better than compare contrast photo ops.

Picture a grainy ad with a burning flag, then they flash to junior with crisp footage on the flag company tour. Well, maybe not. I think the one his dad used in the ad against Dukakis shut down. Honest to god...moved to China.