ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 22, 1990                   TAG: 9006220771
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

VAINLY SEEKING REASON TO DICTATE EMOTIONS BY LAW

THE FLAG should represent our respect for the United States of America, not be a litmus test for our loyalty. Prayers should be our private conversation with the deity in whom we believe, not an opportunity to polish our halo in public. If there are reasons to dictate these emotions by law, they escape my understanding.

Where are the legislators who will work to help this to be a patriotic, godly country that is full of self-supporting, debt-free, sober citizens? The few people who think that burning things is the way to get something constructive done will pass into history with other "torch-bearers" like the Nazis.

Today we are letting agitators on both sides run the country by adding to the dam of cases paralyzing the court system. The ones they block are trying to solve the crime, hunger or other serious problems that weaken the nation.

Cosmetic issues will solve themselves. In this case, thousands of flags can burn, but there will always be someone who can make another one to fly over a country of productive, well-fed citizens. SUE COLLINS ROANOKE 


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