IN THEIR OPINION

Dole's Criticism of Hollywood Isn't Invalid

SEN. BOB DOLE certainly knew he was fanning a firestorm when he swung at the entertainment industry as purveyors of sex and violence ... devoid of any redeeming value.

The industry's reaction has followed too closely the "guns don't kill; people kill" mode of defense.... It is dishonest to pretend that an industry with such capacity cannot exert, by sheer volume of output if not by intent, the negative influence that critics charge.

Dole chose his moment of Hollywood condemnation for political mileage. That, however, does not make his criticism invalid.

- The Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio

Flag amendment infringes upon free speech

The proposed constitutional amendment to ban flag burning and other flag desecration is a bad idea that refuses to die ... flag burning poses no threat great enough to justify amending the Constitution.... A flag amendment would be the first trimming back of free-expression rights since the Bill of Rights was adopted in 1792. Which is worse? For a protester to mistreat a piece of cloth, which is a symbol of this country's ideals? Or for Congress and state legislatures to desecrate the US Constitution...? But the Bill of Rights should trump them all.

- The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.