[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 28, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              STAND UP FOR THE FREEDOM THE FLAG STANDS FOR

  (Mr. SKAGGS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise an extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, today several Members announced the 
introduction of an amendment to the Bill of Rights. While its purpose, 
to protect and encourage respect for the flag, is something we can all 
endorse, it means, a Government mandate, would do tragic violence to 
one of our most cherished freedoms: the first amendment guarantee of 
free speech.
  The flag of our country stands for values and ideals that are 
enormously important and it is a symbol that we all cherish.
  One of the things the flag stands for is a people and a government 
strong enough to tolerate diversity and to make room even for unpopular 
views. That is what the Bill of Rights and the first amendment is all 
about.
  Respect for the flag does and will always flow from our patriotism, 
our love of country, but it is time again for us to stand up for what 
the flag stands for, the freedoms that we cherish in this land.

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