The Congress: Burning Issue

The outcome of the bill to make desecration of the flag a federal offense was as predictable as the summer solstice. No less predictable was the House debate on the measure, which consumed 5 hrs. 12 min. and was almost wholly devoted to the oratorical flights that Congressmen usually relegate to the file drawer marked Independence Day. Among the bill's few critics were those who considered its proposed penalties —one year in jail, $1,000 fine, or both —too mild by half for such offenders.

"Let's deal with these buzzards!" cried South Carolina's Mendel Rivers.

Seconded Florida's James Haley: "Load a...

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