June 19, 2003
Representative Moran
Representative Moran
PO Box 8208
Alexandria, VA 22306-8208
June 19, 2003
The Honorable James P. Moran
U.S House of Representatives
2239 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-4608
Dear Representative Moran:
As your constituent, I am writing to thank you for your vote against the flag desecration amendment (HJ Res 4). This legislation undermines the very principles for which the American flag stands.
Those who favor the proposed amendment say they do so in honor of the flag. But in proposing to unravel the First Amendment, they desecrate what the flag represents, and what millions of Americans have died to defend. The proposed constitutional amendment would do irreparable harm to our right to free speech and undermine the very principles for which the American flag stands.
Jailing protesters is common under authoritarian regimes, not in America. Two young protestors in Hong Kong were arrested for burning the Chinese flag after mainland China took over control of the island nation. Cuban courts commonly jail dissidents who “dishonor” the Cuban flag. While jailing protestors might be common in totalitarian regimes, Americans expect – and indeed have put their lives on their line – to insure that our right to free speech is not abridged.
In America, we expect that our right to free speech is not abridged. We expect that our elected representatives act in good faith and prevent encroachments on our individual liberty. This measure would require that we categorize the First Amendment guarantees into acceptable and unacceptable forms of speech. If we go down this road, what will be found unacceptable next?
I do not believe that Congress should have voted to amend the First Amendment for the first time in history and strongly support your position on this ill-advised measure.
Once again, as a former Marine with six years active duty, including time spent in the first Gulf War, I want to express my thanks for your vote on the flag desecration amendment.
Sincerely,
James Landrith