There’s a fair bit of disarray among Republicans in Washington right now. They’re not all on the same page on a variety of legislative goals, including Social Security privatization, stem-cell research, an energy bill, the Patriot Act, and immigration, among others.<\/p>\n
It seems the GOP caucus needs something to get back on track, a priority they can agree on that can also draw attention away from their other problems.<\/p>\n
Call me crazy, but I have a hunch this solution may soon be a flag-burning amendment.<\/p>\n
It didn’t generate much in the way of media attention, but the House Judiciary Committee easily approved a constitutional amendment two weeks ago that would “prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.” With committee support, it can be brough to the floor at any time.<\/p>\n
The House measure, H.J.RES.10, as of yesterday, has 151 co-sponsors<\/a>. A companion measure in the Senate. S.J.RES.12, is up to 53 co-sponsors<\/a>.<\/p>\n What better way to get away from an ethics fiasco and a Social Security scheme no one likes than literally rallying around the flag? It sounds like a tack from page 1 of the GOP playbook. Now, however, the GOP majority has 55 members. And a war to exploit. And a desperate desire to change the subject away from what’s been going in Congress lately. And a president who’ll endorse the measure enthusiastically.<\/p>\n
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\nThe amendment has passed the House five times over the last 15 years, but fallen short in the Senate every time, sometimes by the narrowest of margins.<\/p>\n