Brown votes against freedom of speech, choice

U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C., has sided with the most conservative members of Congress to erode free speech and freedom of choice -- not that anyone is surprised. But the congressman, related to the head of the national Christian Coalition, again proved he is out of touch with most South Carolinians and in the pockets of the radical right because he supports limits on freedom.

On June 4, Brown voted to ban a seldom-used procedure called a partial-birth abortion. Critics, however, say the measure is rarely used - - and when it is, it is to protect the life of the mother. The vote, they say, really wasn't about the procedure, as much as it was about slowly whittling away at a woman's right to choose. One critic told The Washington Post, "Congress is passing legislation that prevents women and families and doctors from making decisions about the best way to protect the life and health of the woman."

In another controversial vote on June 3, Brown voted to restrict people's freedom of speech by voting to ban flag burning. While most Americans abhor burning of the U.S. flag, they value freedom of expression. Consequently, one of the hardest things to do to protect all free speech is to allow people who you disagree with to have freedom of speech. By voting to ban flag burning, Brown showed he was willing to limit people's personal liberties.