Yacht owned by defense contractor docked at Cunningham's slip

[livetohike]

I hope this North County Times writer keeps after him.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/06/16/news/top_stories/2005-6-16-22-58.txt

A defense contractor whose real estate dealings with Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham have raised ethical questions has another connection to Cunningham: He owns a boat docked at a Washington yacht club ---- a boat on which Cunningham stays while working in the Capitol.

<snip>

[nikraye]

1. Cunningham op-ed in USA Today (unrelated)

Your post re: Cunningham reminded me of this op-ed by same yesterday in USA Today's online editorial section. All about the sanctity of the flag and why we need an amendment to protect it from evil free-speech protectors (the Supreme Court). (warning: seriously nauseating material follows; barf bag highly recommended)



Amendment is our Right

By Randy "Duke" Cunningham
Tue Jun 14, 6:46 AM ET

More than 15 years ago, the Supreme Court reversed 200 years of legal tradition and struck down laws prohibiting desecration of the American flag. In this case, the court disregarded historical and legal precedent, claiming that laws prohibiting flag desecration infringe on free-speech rights.

Given the court's disposition, it is clear a constitutional amendment is necessary to protect the flag. This amendment would return to the American people the right to protect the flag from desecration and disgrace.

Our Founding Fathers recognized that there was a national interest in protecting the flag, and until 1989, the courts concurred. They recognized, as most Americans do, that the free-speech rights of individuals must be considered in relation to the rights of all people, most of whom support protecting our national symbol.

Restricting flag desecration does not limit the right of individuals to express their views. There are still many avenues to do so. It simply protects the physical integrity of the flag.

All Americans have a stake in each and every flag, and when we allow individuals to degrade it, we devalue the universal investment and infringe on the rights of others.

To allow desecration of the flag dishonors those who sacrificed to protect the ideals for which the flag stands. We have asked many to make that sacrifice for this nation, and it is in the public interest to ensure that the flag they fought for is protected.

All 50 states have passed resolutions supporting the restoration of flag protections. The framers of our Constitution set forth a process for amending the Constitution to ensure that the will of the people is carried out when the public consensus demands change.

The First Amendment is a valuable tool for the freedoms our country cherishes and enjoys. Any flag amendment proposed could be shaped to such a narrow scope so as not to disturb the protections of the First Amendment. Protecting the American flag from desecration is consistent with free speech, and it is an affirmation of the resiliency of our democratic system.

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., is prime sponsor of the proposed constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit desecration of the flag.

[livetohike]

2. Hope his flag protects him from the heat he is getting down here

LOL :-). He can wrap himself up in one and wave two with both arms. He's doomed.