Frist: Protecting the Flag Isn't Pandering
By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL, Associated Press Writer
59 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Amending the Constitution to prohibit flag burning may be considered political posturing in the nation's capital, says Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, but it's not pandering to the GOP's conservative base to pursue such protection.

"It's important to the heart and soul of the American people," said Frist, R-Tenn., who is considering a White House bid in 2008.

Asked on "Fox News Sunday" if flag burning and gay marriage were the most important issues the Senate can address in June, Frist said the agenda will focus on securing the country and its values.

"I'm going to Arlington Cemetery tomorrow, and I'm going to see that American flag waving on every single grave over there," Frist said the day before Memorial Day ceremonies at the military cemetery.

"And when you look at that flag and then you tell me that right now people in this country are saying it's OK to desecrate that flag and to burn it and to not pay respect to it _ is that important to our values as a people when we've got 130,000 people fighting for our freedom and liberty today? That is important."

Frist defended a constitutional ban on gay marriage because "that union between a man and a woman is the cornerstone of our society. It is under attack today." At work against such amendments to state constitutions are "activist judges, unelected activist judges," he said.

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