| Yesterday, American legislators were unable to prohibit citizens from expressing outrage at government policies by burning the Stars and Stripes. Although this right of Americans was confirmed by the US Supreme Court in 1989, this year Republicans tried to revise this decision. Wanting to score points ahead of the November congressional elections, the Republican majority proposed banning such a blasphemous display of discontent. On June 23, by a vote of 286 for and 130 against, congressmen approved a constitutional amendment banning the burning of the American flag and submitted it to the Senate for approval. The voting took place there on July 28. The amendment lacked only one vote - it was rejected by 66 senators and supported by 34. Democratic Senator from New York Hillary Clinton and Republican from Utah Bob Bennett proposed protecting the flag through the adoption of a separate law. This initiative also failed, receiving 64 votes against and 36 in favor. A CNN poll found that 56% of Americans think disrespecting the flag is unacceptable and only 40% agree with the Senate's decision. Alexandra PUSHKAR | |
