Thought Theater

Bill Maher: International House Of Flammable Flags genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

Reuters is reporting that the Senate moved closer to the passage of an amendment to allow congress to prohibit the burning of the American flag. Some excerpts from the article follow as well as a satirical skit that aired on the Bill Maher show a while back.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Senate panel approved a measure on Thursday that would change the Constitution to let Congress ban burning of the American flag, setting up an election-year debate over a perennial hot-button issue.

The measure passed the Senate Judiciary constitution subcommittee by a vote of 6 to 3. It must pass the Senate by a two-thirds majority and win the support of at least 38 states within seven years before it takes effect.

With President Bush's approval ratings at historic lows and recent polls showing the Republicans losing their lead on national security, the party also plans votes on other emotional issues like abortion and gay marriage over the coming months to solidify the party's base as it seeks to retain control of Congress in November's election.

The Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag burning is protected under constitutional free-speech guarantees, invalidating laws in 48 states.

Since the measure has attracted 57 co-sponsors in the 100-member Senate, it stands a strong chance of passing.

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Russell Feingold said that the amendment would undermine the freedom of expression that the flag symbolizes.

"None of us thinks it's OK to burn the flag," Feingold said. "But I believe we must also defend the right of all Americans to express their views about their government, however hateful, spiteful or disrespectful."