Refuge

Yes, I still remember I have a blog. This is priceless: MSNBC reports on the House of Representatives passing (for at least the 5th time!) a Constitutional amendment banning "flag desecration". Ordinarily I'd just roll my eyes wearily (since the Senate apparently still can't be dragged along), but I couldn't resist this passage:

Supporters said there was more public support than ever because of emotions following the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. They said detractors are out of touch with public sentiment.

“Ask the men and women who stood on top of the Trade Center,” said Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham, R-Calif. “Ask them and they will tell you: pass this amendment.”

It's good to know Rep. Cunningham can serve as such a shining exemplar of the values that make our democracy great.

I'd like to see a resolution (non-binding, of course, since I'm all about the First Amendment) to protect the flag from the grubby fingers of scum like Cunningham.

In the meantime, I'll enjoy Josh Marshall's latest proof of the value of distributed reporting.