Letters to the editor

Flag-draped amendment

Some do not mourn the non-passing of this late sentiment

Editor, The Times:

Luckily for us Americans who still appreciate our freedom, the constitutional amendment to ban flag burning did not pass the Senate ["Flag burning: No ban, plenty of heat," Times page one, June 28].

The amendment, if passed, would have read, "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's comment, that countless men and women have died defending our flag, is misleading. Countless men and women have died defending our country. The country and the flag are two different things. In this case, the notion of patriotism is being misused.

The amendment, if passed, would not be possible to uphold. It is not possible to define "the flag of the United States." Would people be arrested for burning a 1-inch-by-2-inch flag on a toothpick stuck in a cupcake? How about a flag patch, like the ones sewn onto jackets? How about a homemade paper flag that had only 12 stripes instead of 13?

It is only because we exercise our rights, i.e., flag burning, does the government try to take them away from us. Flag burning is one way to protest what this country does abroad. It is our right to burn it in nonviolent speech.

— Rick Roberts, Seattle

Off-center folds

Burning a flag is a physical act. It shows expression, not free speech. Burning the flag of the United States of America is a disgrace and a seditious act against our nation.

Democratic Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray of Washington opposed the flag-burning amendment. They were part of the minority vote in the Senate [the 66-34 vote failed by one to reach a two-thirds majority], and are far out of the mainstream of the American people.

Why do the voters of Washington state put up with their nonsense? What have they done for our state? For our nation?

— Kevin Hunt, Monroe

The honored guarded

Would I burn our flag? No, but I'm glad I have the right to do so. I've listened to the Senate debates on flag burning, with proponents wrapping themselves in it to make their political case.

Is flag burning a threat to our freedom, or is banning it a worse threat? If we are going to amend the First Amendment, should we also consider banning inflammatory religious and political rhetoric from public airwaves? Hell no! The right to free expression and dissent is the genius of our Constitution.

Leave the Constitution alone and get to work on real problems like how we are going to take care of the veterans, past, present and future, who have defended it.

— Ron McGaha, Redmond

Care on reverse

No need for an amendment to cover flag burning; just have the Federal Trade Commission issue a ruling that all U.S. flags (whether U.S.-made or imported) must be made of fireproof materials! Problem solved!

(There are already laws existing regarding desecration of the flag as well as regarding its proper display.)

— Jack Ellison, Seattle

Pledge of allegiance

To the troops

Many Northwesterners have difficulty coping with our recent high temperatures — this with air conditioners, pools, summer clothing, ice water, etc., etc.

Compare this with what our military endures daily in Iraq's excessive heat — they with uniforms and heavy gear, few, if any, cooling conveniences, while also engaging in dangerous military activity under hazardous conditions.

This comparison alone should make us deeply appreciate what our troops encounter serving their country. They need and deserve our thanks, prayers, good thoughts and moral support until they safely return home, which hopefully will occur soon.

— Eleanor Kremenich, Seattle

A great donation

All the better for it

Hearing and reading about the Warren Buffett gift to the Gates Foundation while visiting in Boston makes me feel very proud to be a Northwesterner ["Bulk of Buffett's fortune goes to Gates Foundation," page one, June 26].

The Gateses have not only set the standard for what people with great wealth should do with it, but with this gift, Buffett is countering a rather sad direction in recent years, of wealthier people who are more concerned with bling for themselves or in their name than for the good of all. "We earned it, we get to keep it," is their cry.

That the two wealthiest men in the world should say they have a responsibility with this wealth and that it is not a good thing to leave it all to their children but to use it wisely for good, is setting a standard I hope others will follow.

It is so refreshing a concept against [the backdrop of] all the greed of Enron and other corporations of the past six years.

Yet, some have trouble comprehending the impact of this gift. This is not about what the kids get after Mummy dies, but rather a little closer to the Golden Rule and that old eye of the needle. This is what a truly moral person does.

All I can say is, well done and bless you all.

— Janet Oakley, Bellingham

High hopes

I think everyone is deeply appreciative of the huge donations to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. These gifts truly enrich JFK's stirring words, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

When the poets and philosophers in future generations ask, "Who speaks for man?" they won't have to look far. What a wonderful thing for three thoughtful, kind individuals to do. I can't help but compare this with what all the millionaire elected officials do with their money.

People all over the world now know the state of Washington for our natural giants: Bill Gates and Mount Rainier. Of the two, Bill Gates stands much taller.

I only wish Mr. Gates would expand his horizons in the future. After all, there is a presidential election coming up in 2008 and I don't see how we could ever do better than to elect either Bill Gates or Warren Buffett to that post.

— Harry Foster, Edmonds

Toast to generosity

The Wonder Bread sign ["Neighbors wonder what will become of bread sign atop factory," Local News, June 28] should go to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters.

Their bread/dough/money does real wonders.

— Jill Janow, Vashon Island