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Flag burning is offensive, but we don't need to ban it

Re: Flag burning amendment.

I am greatly concerned about the efforts in Congress to pass an amendment banning flag burning. Even though I find it offensive to desecrate a piece of fabric that is so significant and symbolic as is our flag, I find it much more repugnant to legislate against this behavior.

Freedoms of speech and assembly are monumental freedoms and should never be infringed upon by pandering to the people in our society who mistakenly equate this fabric with our beloved country itself.

We should ignore the flag-burners; they only want publicity. Let's not trivialize our Constitution by elevating their rude actions to "amendment" status. I sincerely hope that the U.S. Senate will not vote to pass this needless amendment.

Don't promote flag worship

I happen to sense that the flag is indeed a sacred object, made so by the blood of true patriots. But I certainly do not want the law to establish the sacred nature of the flag. The Constitution should not be used to sacralize anything.

The proposed amendment, presupposing that the flag is a sacred object in some legal sense, is a backhanded way to establish flag worship as the national religion. Otherwise, it would not be possible to desecrate the flag in any legal sense.

Focus on important issues

The reason Republicans are so interested in a flag burning amendment is that they wrap themselves in the flag so often, they are afraid of being burned along with it.

With so many important issues (i.e., health care, the environment and that country we are occupying) I am outraged that this is at the top of their list. The Republicans are getting more out of touch every day. I can't wait until 2006 to shake them up!

This fix isn't needed

We hardly ever hear of an American burning the American flag. Then why all the fuss about something that is no problem?

I learned many many years ago: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Just what is a flag?

Re: Congress again debates flag amendment, June 22.

Once again I see our elected representatives preparing a flag desecration amendment to protect our flag from the half dozen or so people in this country who wish to burn it. I wish I was so important that they would amend the Constitution of the United States just to control me.

Before they get too carried away, I have to ask: What is an American flag?

Is a scrap of plastic manufactured in China in a stars and stripes motif an American flag? How about anything in a stars and stripes motif: ties, flip-flops, boxer shorts, diapers?

Does it have to look like a flag? How about a pennant? How about a patch on the seat of some biker's Levi's? How about if the stripe sequence were reversed?

Respect the national anthem

Our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, takes about two minutes to play. Nearly 2-million American men and women have died in uniform for this great nation yet when the national anthem was played recently at a youth sporting event I attended, I was angered to see not only kids, but also adults who continued to talk, did not remove their hats, and generally forgot what it means to be an American.

As a veteran, I am disgusted at the irony of seeing many vehicles with the "I Support the Troops" decals all over the parking lot with the owners of these vehicles talking on their cell phones as the national anthem is played.

Mom and Dad, what is going on? Have you explained to your children what America is all about? Have you told them in the lottery of life they hit the jackpot by being born here? Take a little time and explain to them that in a few short years, they may be in uniform defending our nation and how important a job it is to put on that uniform. Take time to teach them the Flag Code, available on many Internet sites.

The next time you hear our national anthem playing, stand up, put your hand over your heart, and take a couple of minutes to think about America. I believe those 2-million men and women deserve that respect.

Don't delay justice again

Thanks to the St. Petersburg Times and your columnist Martin Dyckman, the terrible injustice to Wilton Dedge, wrongfully imprisoned for 22 years, is once again brought to the attention of the citizens of Florida.

Something must be done to compensate this man and his family - now, not years down the line. Why is there any question? The state of Florida made a terrible mistake. It must do its best to correct that mistake. Don't let the citizens of Florida be ashamed of their own government by delaying justice for Wilton Dedge again!

Coffee vs. cries for freedom

I couldn't help musing over the Times priorities in covering the "news." On Page 5A last Sunday was a quarter page dedicated to the wretched plight of college students burdened under the crushing weight of their coffee bills (Caffeine fuels students, their debts).

Meanwhile, on Page 16A, bottom left, hiding in virtual obscurity is a tiny account of 20,000 Azerbaijan demonstrators marching through the town of Baka with posters of President Bush, demanding elections and freedom. Poor George just can't get a break.

Teens can be responsible pet owners

Re: Rat meets girl: girl meets boys, June 16.

As a teenager, I am hurt and outraged at the accusations this article makes. Since I was 8 years old and got my first real pets, two kittens, my parents have allowed me to keep pets. Over the years, I have had the cats, a golden retriever, fish and two horses. I have always cared for them myself. My parents and I split all the chores. Sometimes they walk the dog for me, or muck out the stall if I'm sick or had too much homework.

For seven years now, I have been to the barn where my horse is kept to clean his stall, fill his water, set up his feed and exercise him. When I wake up in the morning, I feed my dog and walk her; the same at night, and always make sure the cat has food. Aside from my own pets, I held a volunteer job at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for 21/2 years, helping take care of the animals.

My advice: Leave prejudiced lines like "Teenagers need not inquire" out of your paper.

[Last modified June 24, 2005, 00:46:17]