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

DATE: FRIDAY, June 22, 1990                   TAG: 9006220773
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PATRIOTISM NOT FOR WEARING ON SLEEVE

CONGRATULATIONS on your editorial stand on the proposed amendment to ban flag-burning. It would be wise for your staff not to run for political office soon. You will surely get letters questioning your patriotism and manhood.

Such reactions are sad. Patriotism should not be worn on a sleeve or hoisted up a pole. Did we not call the students in Tiananmen Square true patriots to their country? We did not question their right to burn flags. Is it because our flag is more "sacred" than any other nation's? Are we that conceited and self-centered?

The answer to these questions lies, I believe, in the frustration we have about real issues such as the spread of crime, poverty and drugs. Unable to cope with the magnitude of these problems, we lash out at those who would question our strength and sovereignty.

In doing so we fall into a trap. We show no more resolve or courage than those whose vulgarity offends us. We solve no problems. We make our country no stronger.

How about an amendment making it illegal for a child to be born addicted to crack? How about an amendment making it a crime for a 6-year-old to come to school hungry or abused? How about an amendment making it a crime for a child to graduate from high school unable to read?

I thought not; these are the real crimes, not just sops for opportunistic politicians. The strength of our Constitution lies in its brevity and flexibility. The strength of our people lies in our compassion and resolve. I hope your paper keeps telling people to leave it this way. FENTON F. HARRISON JR. SALEM

by CNB