Michigan Politics
Odd Couple Unite for Free Speech, Political Rights
By George Weeks

U.S. Reps. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., and Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., are at far opposite ends of the political spectrum. But they spoke and voted in unison last week to protect free speech and the right of political protest.

Hoekstra, of Holland, represents an 11-county district that has the strongest Republican base among Michigan's 15 districts. His rating from the American Conservative Union is 92 percent; only 5 percent from the liberal Americans for Democratic Action.

Nadler, whose district includes parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, gets a zero from ACU; 95 percent from ADA.

Hoekstra and Nadler were in the minority when the House voted 286-130 for a constitutional amendment to outlaw burning or other desecration of the U.S. flag. Only about a dozen Republicans were among the 130.

Hoekstra, who as chairman the House Intelligence Com-mittee is at the forefront of the war on terror, voted against the measure when it passed the House five times previously. His latest words on point are worth pondering by any fellow conservatives who view opponents of the amendment as somehow anti-American:

"The American flag is an enduring symbol of democracy, justice and sacrifice, which is why I cannot understand why any American would disrespect it in any way. But to outlaw a form of political expression is to oppose the very individual liberty and personal freedom the American flag represents.

"Those who deface the American flag dishonor every man and woman who fought and died so that they can enjoy their ability to do so. However, regardless of one's views or actions, and however much I might disagree with them, limiting political protest is a drastic measure that I cannot support."

Said Nadler: "If the flag needs protection at all, it needs protection from members of Congress who value the symbol more than the freedoms that the flag represents."

To be enacted, the Flag Desecration Amendment must be adopted by two-thirds of the Senate and then ratified by three-fourths of the nation's legislatures. An Associated Press survey indicates it faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Well it should.

Sen. Carl Levin will oppose it, as he has in the past. Sen. Debbie Stabenow voted for it when she was in the House, and will again.

In the House, the only two Michigan Democrats to vote for the amendment were Reps. Bart Stupak of Menominee and Dale Kildee of Flint.

Butler's Northern Front

The Rev. Keith Butler, an ex-Detroit councilman and GOP activist, is getting expected early downstate urban support in his bid for the 2006 nomination to oppose Stabenow. GOP leaders in Macomb, Genesee, and Saginaw counties were among 26 county chairs whose endorsements he announced last week. Nearly half were from northern Michigan, where anti-Detroit sentiments often simmer.

Among 16 state lawmakers endorsing Butler: Sens. Jason Allen, Traverse City, and Tony Stamas, Midland, and Reps. Tom Casperson, Escanaba, and Howard Walker, Traverse City.

Republican National Committeeman Chuck Yob, who is neutral until the primary field jells, said of Butler: "He's out there all over the place. His campaign is going very well."

Butler's announced Upper Peninsula endorsements by county party chairs: John Drennan, Baraga; Anthony Stackpoole, Chippewa; Frank Murphy, Houghton; Arlen Bright, Menominee; and David Schoenow, Schoolcraft.

George Weeks is the political columnist for The Detroit News and is syndicated by Superior Features.