I'm gratified, I suppose…

…that there's still a sufficient minority in the United States Senate to prevent the dismemberment of the Bill of Rights that they are all sworn to protect and defend. I'm gravely disappointed that that minority doesn't include the 14 Democratic Senators who lacked either the courage to uphold their oaths or the discernment to see exactly how damaging their vote on the flag desecration amendment would be.

My disappointment is barely lifted by the knowledge that only three Republicans seem to understand that the minute "Congress shall make no law…" becomes "Congress shall make only the laws it wishes…" we are lost. The time of civil liberties as an American birthright will have passed.

I am proud, of course, that our Senators from the Upper Left, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, stood with the Constitution and for the protection of our rights.

And for all y'all that think everything that Kerry fella does is about Presidential politics, the Hotline notes that "...Kerry eschewed an Iowa visit in order to stay in Washington to vote against the flag-burning amendment."

Where we needed him, when we needed him. Again.