[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6782-S6783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY

 Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, as we prepare to celebrate 
America's national holiday, I would like to take a moment and pay 
tribute to the founders of our country. James Madison, in particular, 
is one of my heroes. I didn't know much about James Madison until I 
went to college. I went to the University of Utah and majored in 
political science. I became acquainted with James Madison under the 
direction of G. Homer Durham, who was chairman of the political science 
department at the University of Utah. He had a very radical notion 
about education. He said the most important course in the political 
science department was political science 1. And he said, ``Since I am 
the department head it follows that I should teach the department's 
most important course.'' So as an 18-year-old freshman I sat at the 
feet of Homer Durham and learned about the Constitution and James 
Madison. I read the Federalist Papers and began a lifelong love affair 
with political theory and particularly the political theory that 
undergirds America starting with Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and 
the Constitutional Convention.
  As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, I am reminded of another 
important item which we all cherish: the American flag. The flag of the 
United States is a unique symbol of national unity and represents the 
values of liberty, justice, and equality that make this Nation an 
example unmatched throughout the world. The American flag is recognized 
around the world as an icon of freedom, representing all that we hold 
dear as citizens of the United States. This preeminent symbol of our 
Nation has flown in every conflict where American blood has been 
threatened and shed, and will always deserve our unbending respect and 
protection.
  I rise today to support a bill which protects these two sacred items: 
the Constitution and the American flag.

[[Page S6783]]

 Many of my Republican colleagues advocate passing a constitutional 
amendment to prohibit flag desecration. I admire and agree with their 
intent to show proper respect to our flag, but I disagree with their 
belief that a new constitutional amendment banning flag burning is the 
best way to protect the flag and punish flag burners. To this end I, 
along with Senator McConnell, introduce legislation which will 
successfully and legally prevent the desecration of our national 
symbol.
  Our bill provides for the imprisonment and fining of those who damage 
an American flag intending to incite a breach of the peace. It also 
punishes anyone who steals a flag belonging to the Federal Government 
or a flag displayed on Federal property. In a review of our bill, 
senior constitutional legal experts at the U.S. Library of Congress 
stated that if enacted, the bill would withstand Supreme Court 
constitutional scrutiny. I agree with this analysis and believe it is 
possible to punish the despicable behavior of flag desecration, while 
still preserving the stability of a document that has served us well 
for over 200 years.
  With these comments, I wish my colleagues a happy Fourth of July 
holiday. May we always remember the liberties and blessings which are 
ours due to the sacrifice and inspiration of our American 
patriots.

                          ____________________