[maro]

Let me address just one point: you misunderstand free speech. The First Amendment prohibits "state action" that inhibits the expression of speech, especially political speech. The First Amendment generally does not apply to the legitimate policy choices that the Government makes to favor one idea over another, for example by prohibiting certain symbols in public schools, unless the "public forum" doctrine applies. That's what prevents Nativity scenes from being sponsored in front of City Hall. (I kind of disagree with those cases, but that is the law.) And public schools are not a public forum in that sense. Thus, the Government cannot prevent you or any other American from wearing any kind of flag you please on the street. But that doesn't prevent the Government, if it chooses, from prohibiting the Stars and Bars in a public school. This has to be the law; if it were otherwise, there would be a Constitutional barrier to banning Osama bin Laden T-shirts as well in the public schools. Finally, I think the bottom line of your fiery rhetoric is that you believe in secessionism, and think that is built into the American Constitution. That is OK; you have a First Amendment right to that opinion. But you must realize that this is a decidedly minority opinion, in the general electorate as well as amongst people who identify themselves as conservatives.

[stand watie]

once again you are abnsolutely, positively WRONG!

the FIRST AMENDMENT applies EVERYWHERE! let me say that in point of fact, the courts, largely controlled by persons of the so-called "liberal bent", have MIS-interpreted the Constitution to the benefit ONLY of the ELITES!

this is just one of the reasons that conservatives must work HARD to assure that the "liberals" NEVER again have the majority in either house of the congress AND that we follow W's 8 years with another 8 years of CONSERVATIVE administration AND pack the USSC & appeals courts with CONSERVATIVE, constitution-loving judges.

free dixie,sw