| WASHINGTON
-
March 23 -
Lawmakers considering a proposed constitutional amendment to ban use of the flag
in political protest heard from veterans opposed to the measure today.
Joe Rogers, a veteran of Desert Storm, Doug Clifton, a veteran of Vietnam,
and former Rep. David Skaggs, a Vietnam veteran, asked a House Judiciary panel
to preserve the freedoms they fought for around the globe.
They testified today representing the many veterans who say they oppose the
flag amendment because they fought for the ideals of freedom and liberty
embodied by the American flag, not for the flag itself.
"Seeing the flag stirs within me my pride and admiration in our country,
its people and the many unsung heroes of our country," said Joe Rogers, who
served in the Navy for more than 27 years. "This amendment would diminish
the meaning of our flag."
"America is unique and special because the unpopular and the downtrodden
are allowed to be heard," Rogers continued. "This amendment would chip
away at that right, weakening the very foundation - the First Amendment -- that
has made our country strong and great for over 200 years."
Rogers recalled that he volunteered to join the military at a time when many
of his peers were protesting against the Vietnam War. He said the naval oath --
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the
United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic" -- explained his
choice to serve his country then, as it now explains his appeal to Congress to
reject the Flag Amendment.
Terri Schroeder, a legislative analyst for the American Civil Liberties
Union, said "that she has been "deeply moved by the many veterans who
have written to tell me that our battle against this latest effort to restrict
Americans' right to peacefully protest is one they already fought in hostile
countries across the globe."
"What unites us is not merely our flag, but our shared constitutional
heritage as citizens of a country that is a standard bearer of freedom to the
world," Schroeder said.
###
|
Share This Article With A Friend