The Flag The Burning Question

Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled six weeks ago that torching an American flag is a constitutionally protected form of speech, politicians have stampeded to show off their patriotic fealty to Old Glory. Last week the House Judiciary Committee approved a Democratic proposal that would make setting fire to the Stars and Stripes a federal crime punishable by a year in prison. The measure could run into opposition from other Congressmen who think that nothing short of a constitutional amendment will serve to protect the flag from fiery desecration.

Now, thanks to American ingenuity, another means of thwarting the unflagging zeal of those who might enjoy seeing the flag go up in flames may be at hand. Servpro Industries of Gallatin, Tenn., a residential and commercial cleaning franchiser, is offering to fireproof its customers' flags by spraying them with a flame retardant guaranteed to protect cloth from temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees F.

Some outlets will offer the service free; others will charge a small fee. "One or two sprays a year," the company promises, "and the flag can be protected forever." Sometimes chemicals can do what the Constitution can't.