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On this annual Flag Day, it is inspiring, as always, to see Old Glory displayed far and wide. The flag ought to be treated appropriately, and never wantonly desecrated. Yet, is it really necessary to amend the U.S. Constitution to protect the Stars and Stripes?
Occasionally, deranged souls or individuals with anti-American sentiments do, indeed, desecrate the flag. However, such incidents are relatively few and far between. For example, the website of the main group pushing the flag protection amendment lists all of a dozen flag desecration acts, nationwide, in 2005, and only three in 2004. In most instances, the perpetrators were promptly arrested and prosecuted under existing laws.
A handful of such incidents, though deplorable, is hardly a reason to take a step as dramatic as amending the Constitution. It is folly to think such an amendment would summarily lead to fewer acts of desecration. On the contrary, human nature being what it is, such an amendment might actually result, out of defiance, in an increase in high profile desecrations of the flag.
As much as KSL venerates Old Glory and the many wonderful things she stands for, we don't see the need for amending the Constitution to protect the flag. KSL urges defeat of the Flag Protection Amendment when it comes before the United States Senate later this month.
