One woman's view: Respecting substance more than symbol
Contributing writer
In last week's column I advised skepticism of accusations raised in the waning days of a political campaign. Since one of those has reared its ugly head in the gubernatorial race, Jennifer has graciously given me permission to talk about it in an extra column.
A television advertisement placed emphasis upon Kathleen Sebelius having opposed a law against desecration of the American flag, implying it made her patriotism open to question. Attacking his opponent rather than saying anything specific about his own accomplishments is typical of Tim Shallenburger's campaign. I'd like to call attention to some points regarding a law to "protect" the Stars and Stripes.
First, I do not believe the American flag is in need of protection. It has stood proudly for more than 200 years respected and loved by nearly everyone in the nation. More important, the freedoms it stands for are still a vital part of our American heritage.
Also, the United States Supreme Court has declared such laws in other states unconstitutional. Therefore passing the act would be pointless. My guess is that whoever sponsored the bill ony wanted to look good in the yes of a very vocal block of voters.
Finally, advocates of a legal measure to force a show of insincere respect for the flag, rather than accepting the heart-felt respect of 99 percent of the population, fail to understand that our freedom of speech is at stake. I hate to see anyone burn or desecrate the flag. I would also hate to see Ku Klux Klan members in white sheets hold a rally in my town. However, if their right to so is denied by law, freedom of speech no longer exists.
If the First Amendment were intended to guarantee free speech only to those who do not offend anyone, I do not think our founding fathers would have fought so hard to have it and the rest of the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution.
Apparently Kathleen Sebelius, like me and many other Americans, reserves her respect and defense for the freedoms our flag stands for, rather than spending them on a colorful piece of cloth. It would be tragic, as well as ironic, if our zeal to protect the symbol caused us to erode the precious freedoms for which our flag stands.
I believe it was Justice William O. Douglas who said, "The freedoms of none are safe unless the freedoms of all are protected." Sebelius understands that basic principal and defends it even when her stand is not popular. As far as I'm concerned, that is the kind of person we need in the governor's office.
