|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Don't
Send Freedom Up In Smoke
PFAW Urges "No" Vote on Flag Amendment
|
|
|
WASHINGTON
- June 17 - In what has become almost an annual event, a controversial
measure to curtail Americans' right to free speech all in the name of liberty is moving
toward a critical Senate vote. The Flag Desecration Amendment, which already passed the
House, must win the support of two-thirds of the Senate before it goes on to the states.
It would amend the Constitution to prohibit burning or other desecration of the flag.
"Americans love our flag, but this proposed amendment is an example of loving it to
death," said Carole Shields, President of People For the American Way. "We do
not protect and honor our most powerful symbol of freedom if we diminish the freedom that
gives it meaning."
"The flag amendment would do more harm to our freedom than protesters could ever do
with their matches," Shields said. "As abhorrent as it would be to see our
nation's cherished flag burned it would be far, far worse to send our freedom up in
smoke."
The flag amendment would, for the first time in our history, change the Constitution to
restrict freedoms guaranteed under the First Amendment. The issue has united liberal and
conservative groups in opposition to the amendment.
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Federalism, and Property Rights is
expected to approve the amendment today. However, People For the American Way expressed
confidence that the Senators will, in the end, uphold freedom by turning down the
amendment.
"The issue boils down to one basic question will the Senate vote to take away some of
the American people's freedom," said Shields. "I don't believe that any Senator
who has thought this issue through will choose to be the deciding vote against
freedom."
###
|
|
|
Common Dreams NewsCenter is a non-profit news service
providing breaking news and views for the Progressive Community.
The
press release posted here has been provided to Common Dreams NewsWire by
one of the many progressive organizations who make up America's Progressive Community.
If
you wish to comment on this press release or would like more information,
please contact the organization directly.
*all times Eastern US (GMT-5:00)
Making News?
E-mail us your news release! news@newscenter.org
© Copyrighted 1997-2000
All Rights Reserved. Common Dreams. www.commondreams.org
|
|
Share This Article With A Friend