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American TFP Supports
Flag-Protection
Amendment
(March 13, 2001)
Washington, DC - Ever since the Supreme Court defined flag
burning as "free speech" in 1989, Americans across
the nation have vehemently protested this offense against
the honor of the nation. As a flag-protection amendment
comes to a vote once again, the American TFP adds its voice
to those who protest against this strange "right"
to insult the country by reviling its symbols.
On March 13, Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Max Cleland (D-GA),
Reps. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) and John
Murtha (D-PA) introduced a proposed constitutional amendment
in both chambers that would return to the American people
the right to protect their flag. The one sentence amendment
reads, "Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical
desecration of the flag of the United States."
The amendment enjoys overwhelming support nationwide. It
has over 100 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.
Post-election analysis indicates the measure enjoys support
from 308 members of the House - well over the 290 needed
for passage - and 64 Senators, three short for passage.
To date, 49 state legislatures have passed memorializing
resolutions asking Congress to pass an amendment and send
it to the states for ratification.
In 1989, the American TFP held a petition drive in cities
across the United States in favor of flag protection. Over
135,000 signatures were collected and delivered to the Senate,
House of Representatives and White House.
The TFP statement "Our
Flag, Our Honor: Is Desecrating It One of America's Freedoms?"
affirmed that the flag "is the splendor of our nation's
glory. It is undoubtedly an affirmation of our strength:
strength in defense of national honor, security and sovereignty."
A flag amendment, the document continued, would "guarantee,
beyond any doubt, the right of the American nation not to
be vilified in its own land."
In introducing the amendment in the Senate, Senator Orin
Hatch affirmed that the measure would be an important "step
toward re-orienting our moral compass."
Since ratification in the Senate has been the only major
stumbling block in the ratification process, the American
TFP is urging its friends and supporters to write or email
their senators to ask that the right to protect the nation's
flag be returned to the American people.
To contact or send an email to your senator, click
here
