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NO MORE, NO LESS THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

My flag is THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES (AS AMENDED). It flies at the pinnacle of my staff and hangs and drapes in my most honored places. The Stars and Stripes symbolize the geographic unity of my country, but THE CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED) is the JUST and SPIRITUAL superstructure of my nation. It’s THE CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED) that gives hope and promise even to those who are exploited, oppressed and dis-enfranchised. And it’s THE CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED) with its safeguards of FREEDOM and LIBERTY that other constitution-writers draw upon for guidance as they develop their own governments.

You can burn and desecrate my flag – THE CONSTITUTION(AS AMENDED), for the right to burn it and desecrate it is protected by it. Other weaker symbols dare not run the risk of desecration, but my flag – THE CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED) – is such a strong and confident symbol that it can withstand being walked and spat upon, knowing that it so reflects the universal human desire for freedom, justice and liberty that it will endure.

Personally, I would never DIS-respect the symbols that others hold dear: The Stars and Stripes; the Anthem and The Pledge; the Crucifix, The Davidical Star and the Crescent Moon and Star and others – even the Stars and Bars – I’ll not desecrate, for I respect the deepness of their meaning for others, but I know and I hope that others understand that it is my flag – THE CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED) – that protects their devotions.

So higher up and larger flies my flag – LIVING, AMENDABLE and AMENDED – THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (AS AMENDED).

Jess A. Phool, July, 1991