Flag forgiveness
Ten years ago, the American Legion had a litmus test for who they invited to their convention -- and Utah Sen. Bob Bennett didn't pass.
In 1996, when Bennett was the only member of the state's delegation to vote against the flag-burning amendment, the veterans snubbed him. He was noticeably absent from the convention. And his name was not mentioned. Hatch, the flag amendment's sponsor, was a featured speaker.
National Commander Daniel Ludwig said at the time it would be "illogical" to invite Bennett.
But William Christoffersen, a local organizer of the convention, disputed that Bennett was snubbed, insisting that the senator's staff said he would be unable to attend.
This year, the legion apparently decided to avoid the "flag flap." Hatch still sponsored the amendment. And Bennett again voted against it. But this year he was joined by Congressman Jim Matheson in opposition.
Both Bennett and Matheson have been invited to speak to Legion members Tuesday.
"I'm surprised they invited me, given my vote," Bennett said Monday.
The debate over amending the Constitution to protect the flag won't be glossed over, however.
After Bennett and Matheson speak, Hatch is to be given a special commendation (for the amendment.) And later, the veterans will get a special report on the flag amendment.
--Rebecca Walsh
In 1996, when Bennett was the only member of the state's delegation to vote against the flag-burning amendment, the veterans snubbed him. He was noticeably absent from the convention. And his name was not mentioned. Hatch, the flag amendment's sponsor, was a featured speaker.
National Commander Daniel Ludwig said at the time it would be "illogical" to invite Bennett.
But William Christoffersen, a local organizer of the convention, disputed that Bennett was snubbed, insisting that the senator's staff said he would be unable to attend.
This year, the legion apparently decided to avoid the "flag flap." Hatch still sponsored the amendment. And Bennett again voted against it. But this year he was joined by Congressman Jim Matheson in opposition.
Both Bennett and Matheson have been invited to speak to Legion members Tuesday.
"I'm surprised they invited me, given my vote," Bennett said Monday.
The debate over amending the Constitution to protect the flag won't be glossed over, however.
After Bennett and Matheson speak, Hatch is to be given a special commendation (for the amendment.) And later, the veterans will get a special report on the flag amendment.
--Rebecca Walsh
7:19 PM
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