VietNow National Magazine
Do You Want to
Burn This Flag?
What If Someone Else Wants To?
The Flag Desecration Amendment has
failed to pass through the U.S. Senate
several times...and recently lost by
just one vote. But the "flag-burning
issue" isn't going away any time soon.
Veterans seem to have a special interest
in this issue, and so we're wondering
what you think about it. Do you think
the physical integrity of the flag should
be protected at all costs? Or do you
think the law would stifle freedom of
expression? Send your thoughts, a brief
note or a full-sized article (suitable
for publication in our magazine and our
web site) to vnoweditor@aol.com or VietNow
Editor, at P.O. Box 736, Pine Island,
Minnesota 55963.
What some VietNow readers have to say:
Mike Munz – Freeport VietNow Chapter
I believe flag burning is disrepectful, insulting,
and appalling. But I feel the same way about the suppression
of free speech. As my First Sergeant told me, “I
may not agree with what you say, but I’ll fight
to my death for your right to say it.” That statement
brought me to a new understanding of what my military
service was all about. To go to another country into
battle, in the name of freedom, and then to deny that
same freedom to citizens at home is less than honorable.
It is offensive to me, as a veteran, and as a citizen
of the most blessed country on Earth, to see our flag
desecrated. But when we start arresting people for
offending others, we had better start building a lot
more jails. Flag burners should be chastised for their
unpatriotic acts, but patriotism cannot be legislated.
Patriotism is in your heart, mind, and soul.
Jim Stepanek – VietNow National
Vice President
I get upset when I hear or read items in the news.
I've attended rallies against flag burning. I hate
protesters at a hero's funeral. But I put my life on
the line to defend those freedoms. Jim Stepanek's article
continues here.
Lloyd Covert – Retired 1st Sergeant
VietNow member – Troy, Illinois
I have only one thing to say. When you
burn our symbol of freedom, you also burn
and insult the memory of all the men and
women who died to protect you, past and
present. Don't take it out on the flag.
If you don't like it, then go to another
country. Then you will see just how bad you really have it.
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