Should Democrats let the Flag Amendment pass and fight other battles?

[zulchzulu]

I was listening to Big Ed on AAR in Madison (even though he's not officially on AAR) today and he kept saying that Democrats (or "lefties" in his monologue) should forget about fighting Republicans in 2006 (and by default vote for the amendment or publically support it) and let them have the issue.

Imagine the political ads that the Democrats would have plastered on them if they support the 1st Amendment, I mean... the Flag Desecration amendment.

Perhaps a better idea might be to be identical to a Repug so that they have nothing to use in a political ad? Should I turn in my US Flag boxer shorts?

[trogdor]

1. No friggin' way.

We let this thing pass, and it goes to state legislature after state legislature, and our farm club gets hammered again and again and again. 2010 rolls around and the GOoPers control 80% of state governments, and we get ROLLED in the next reapportionment. How is that good? NIP IT IN THE BUD IN WASHINGTON.

[zulchzulu]

4. I agree..and here's an idea for the Democrat who votes against

The political ad that would work would be a game show with Door Number One and Door Number Two.

The gameshow host would ask the opponent which door he would choose:

Door Number One: The Constitution and 1st Amendment

...or...

Door Number Two: A US Flag (muttering under breath) made in China or Mexico
(A scanky woman in a US Flag bikini would be holding the Flag like in a game show)

Opposing Senator:

Door Number Two!

Then have the Senator (opponent) getting all flirty with the skanky Jingoist game show shill.

Tagline: __________ supports the US Constitution and the principals of Democracy...not some cloth made in a foreign country

[K-W]

2. There is only phantom support for this issue.

A very small percentage of the population takes flag desecration into account at the polling booth and they were already voting republican.

The right stance for Democrats on this issue is what Im sure it will be that this is a waste of time and a superficial gesture that pointlessly limits the first ammendment.

The answer to flag desecration isnt supporting flag desecration its voting against the ammendement and asking for healthcare legislation.

[politicaholic]

3. Hear hear...

you have to protect the 1st Amendment. Don't let the GOP wipe with the constitution just because there are "bigger" issues.

[AX10]

5. I can see Ben and Bill Nelson support this because...

of where they come from, but I don't want to see congresspeople from Blue Areas back this. There is no need. Get IT, Mr. Lieberman?!?

I personally oppose the amendment. HELL, FOUR STAR GENERAL COLIN POWELL
opposes the amendment.

[Idioteque]

6. Lieberman is against the amendment.

Ben Nelson supports it. Not sure about Bill. Doesn't really matter though. Pryor and Hillary have come out against it. The Repubs won't have the votes.

[AX10]

7. Pryor from Arkansas! Good to hear this!

[zulchzulu]

8. I wonder if Big Eddie knows that Powell is against it

If Powell would do an ad against the ban, that sure would confuse a lot of Repugs ond moderates...

Let's give Colin a call.

[Hippo_Tron]

9. DeLay would probably send Powell a death threat

Besides, the Repugs need 12 Democrats to vote for this, assuming Chafee votes YES, which if he does it is something we can use against him when he runs for re-election. I don't think that there are 12 dem turncoats, especially if Pryor is voting with us. Ben and Bill can vote for this for political clout and we'll still be safe. Although at this point, Bill is polling 17 points ahead of election stealer so I don't think that he needs any political clout.