If the past few months are any indication, our representatives in Washington are quickly losing faith in the Bill of Rights.

First, we had a bill that would allow illegally obtained evidence to be used in a court of law — which, in effect, negated our freedom from warrantless searches as prescribed in the Fourth Amendment.

Next, we were treated to an “anti-terrorist” act which criminalized any demonstrations of support for groups deemed “terrorist” by the U.S. President — which, in effect, made a mockery of our right to peaceably assemble as

guaranteed in the First Amendment. The act also placed one-year limitations on death row appeals, essentially depriving the accused of their Fifth Amendment right to due process.

Recently, we also had a bill to punish “indecent” speech over the Internet — a measure that even Newt Gingrich found impossible to support.

Now, the House of Representatives has passed an amendment to the Constitution that would outlaw flag-burning. Apparently, citizens mustn’t even dare to express themselves in ways that might run counter to “politically correct”

displays of orgiastic patriotism.

Sadly, these assaults on our basic rights as U.S. citizens are all coming at a time when many are already fed up with our government as it is. Continuing with this erosion of

our civil liberties will only inspire further resentment and social discord.