This is just one of many frequent attempts to use the constitutional amendment process to support a minority conservative agenda. Regardless of what Orrin Hatch believes, these amendments do not necessarily represent the views of most Americans. Most never see the light of day.
The fact that this attempt has made the news speaks more to Republicans' belief that their political timing is good, and that Democratic opposition to the amendment can be used as a campaign weapon in the 2008 elections. I do not support such an amendment myself.
Beth Gazley, Ph.D.
Assistant professor of public and environmental affairs
Proposal faces uphill battle in Senate, states
I think the amendment will have trouble passing in the Senate or getting ratified in a sufficient number of states. The basic problem with the proposed amendment has already been identified by the Supreme Court: that is, that it abridges First Amendment rights to free speech. Even if ratified, the new amendment may still face a successful constitutional challenge in the courts. But it will be necessary for people opposed to the flag-burning amendment to speak up and express their views in the face of the big push for passage.Jeffrey Hart Political science professor
