April 24, 1996
Constitution represents ideals
I am a 28-year-old American, having lived in this country for most of that time. I will soon graduate with a political science degree. [Note: I did so on May 10, 1996.]
My sympathies are with Ms. Schenck regarding how she feels about the American flag.
Yet, I cannot under any circumstances grant that Flag-scorners should get a life and express their beliefs intelligently.
Such expressions have failed them/ the nation at best scoffs at, and typically ignores, reasoned discourse. By evoking powerful, emotional reaction in many people, the Flag-scorners "disrespect" for the flag has accomplished a great deal more than merely exacting press coverage.
You see, the American ideals are embodied in the United States Constitution, not the American Flag. Thus, when those who feel they have been denied freedom find it necessary to act disrespectfully toward the American flag, our constitutional ideals compel us not only to allow them the freedom to do so, but also to reflect upon ourselves without taking reprisal.
I reserve my indignation, Ms. Schenck, for those who would thoughtlessly dispense with our Constitutional ideals to protect a symbol that is neither us nor our ideals. Freedom of expression is not for those with whom we agree (who need no protection) but for those with whom we disagree.
Freedom can be found in no other principle, including pompous worship of the flag.