WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) on Wednesday cast her vote in favor of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting the desecration of the American flag.  Emerson has introduced her own similar measure in the U.S. House of Representatives in previous sessions of Congress.

 

“The American flag is our national symbol, and it represents the highest ideals of our nation.  Our flag deserves respect as well as protection,” Emerson said.  “Desecrating the American flag is a grievous insult to the men and women who have served our country throughout the centuries.  We ought to have enough pride in our nation to stand up for the flag to not allow others to spit in the face of the Americans who sacrifice their own freedoms to protect them.”

 

The measure passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 286-130.

 

“I understand the free speech argument, but I reject it.  There are plenty of ways to express dissatisfaction with our government without burning the flag and doing something obscene or indecent.  But just as it is illegal to deface a soldier’s grave marker in Arlington National Cemetery or to shoot a bald eagle, it also ought to be against the law to burn the American flag,” Emerson said.