[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14610]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO PROHIBIT PHYSICAL 
              DESECRATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2001

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our 
American flag and as a cosponsor of H.J. Res. 36, which would amend the 
Constitution to allow Congress to protect the United States flag from 
acts of physical desecration.
  Our flag occupies a truly unique place in the hearts of millions of 
citizens as a cherished symbol of freedom. As an international emblem 
of the world's greatest democracy, the American flag should be treated 
with respect and care. I do not believe our free speech rights should 
entitle us to consider the flag as mere ``personal property,'' which 
can be treated any way we see fit, including physically desecrating it 
as a form of political protest.
  The American flag is a source of inspiration wherever it is 
displayed, and a symbol of hope to all nations struggling to build 
democracies. As a proud member of the House Armed Services Committee, I 
deeply admire those who have fought and died to preserve our freedoms. 
These men and women have bravely defended our flag and the fundamental 
principles for which it stands. They deserve to know that their 
government treasures the flag and all it represents as much as they do.
  For these reasons I, as well as a great number of Americans, believe 
that our flag should be treated with dignity and deserves protection 
under the law. I urge my colleagues to join me in protecting one of the 
most enduring symbols of our nation and our democracy by adopting this 
resolution today.

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