The Noise of Flag Desecration

Senate Rejects Flag Desecration Amendment (Washington Post)

I kind of resent what George Bush and the Republican Party are doing at this time. They are playing to their base in enough ways to stave off major losses in the 2006 elections. Of course, this is what politicians do. What bothers me is that Mr. Bush and friends are ignoring what his base really cares about—the immigration issue. Yes, there are enough Republicans who care about flag-burning to make a difference. So, it's shrewd to make some noise about it. But that is all it is, noise.

Most Americans don't worry that the flag-burning amendment didn't pass. Sure, people don't want the flag burned, and some are emotional about it. Americans are far more passionate, though, about immigration. Some estimates are that up to 20 million immigrants, or even more, will flood our country in the next twenty years. This will change the demographics, politics, language, values and quality of life for all of us. There is a great danger that we will be creating a permanent underclass.

Say what you will about George Bush's IQ, he's politically astute. He'll probably help the Republicans do better than predicted in the coming elections. Iraq is turning around. The economy is humming. Plus, he'll get away with ignoring the hot-button immigration concern by making a lot of noise on other base issues, like flag-burning.