National Defense PAC Blasts Mourdock for Opposing Flag   Burning Amendment

“Hoosiers should know Dick Lugar voted to defend our flag while Richard Mourdock would defend someone’s right to burn it”

The National Defense PAC today blasted Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock for his opposition to a constitutional amendment banning flag burning and urged Hoosiers to support Senator Dick Lugar in the upcoming primary election.

“The flag is a symbol of our democracy and millions of Americans have sacrificed their lives to defend it,” NATIONAL DEFENSE PAC Chairman, Rear Admiral [Ret.] James J. Carey said.  “Flag burning is obscene, painful and unpatriotic.  We are shocked to learn that Richard Mourdock opposed a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning, which he believed to be a form of freedom of speech.  Burning an American flag is conduct – not speech.  Hoosiers should know that Dick Lugar voted to defend our flag while Richard Mourdock would defend someone’s right to burn it.”

On June 22, 1990, the Bloomington Herald-Times reported on Mourdock’s opposition to the flag burning amendment.  “I tend to think I would probably be opposed to it,” Mourdock said.  ”How can we enforce freedom of speech and say we have freedom of speech except in one area?  I have a really hard time with that.”

Over his career, Senator Lugar cosponsored proposed constitutional amendments to prohibit flag burning nine times.  In 2006, Senator Lugar and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh both voted for S.J.Res. 12, a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning (Roll Call 189).  In 1999, Senator Lugar and Senator Bayh both voted for S.J.Res. 14 (Roll Call 48).  In 1990, Senator Lugar and Indiana Senator Dan Coats both voted for S.J.Res. 332 (Roll Call 128).  In 1989, both Senator Lugar and Indiana Senator Coats voted for S.J.Res. 180 (Roll Call 251).

Senator Lugar served as a U.S. Navy Intelligence Briefer for Chief of Naval Operations (Under Admiral Arleigh Burke) 1957 to 1960.  He has been a voice for consistent leadership in support of our military and national defense.

The National Defense Political Action Committee is dedicated to electing Military Veterans to the U.S. Congress who share our traditional American values of a Constitutionally limited, fiscally responsible government, ensuring a strong national defense, protecting the rights and interests of our Servicemembers, and fulfilling our historic commitment to our Veterans.