American Notes LOUISIANA

Something in the Baton Rouge air must make politicians go partway round the bend. Before their latest session ended, the state legislators pressed every hot-button issue within reach. They not only passed the strictest anti- abortion law adopted by any state since Roe v. Wade but almost passed a measure to encourage the beating of flag burners by reducing the penalty to a $25 fine. Then they approved a law requiring record companies to place warning labels on songs that promote deviant sex, violence, drug abuse, suicide, devil worship or incest.

Thus Governor Buddy Roemer inherited some worthy opportunities for the veto. He used it on the abortion ban last week only days after thumbing down the lewd-lyrics law on the ground that it violated free-speech protections. The legislators may return to the capital Aug. 18 to consider whether to override the vetoes.