With no attempt to belittle or minimize the semiotic purpose of the flag it is simply a symbol made of common textiles. If through the process of imperfect governance we have determined that money equals protected speech then surely it is plain to see that the act of destroying or altering the flag in protest should be protected as well. The words of Langston Hughes come to mind and granting the congress this authority would only further show that America is not the bastion of hope and freedom for all it is sadly become the resort of the privileged and powerful above all others. Deny this request and perhaps one day America will fully transform to be the place it espouses to be....allow it and all hope is truly lost