Congress could have worked on a lot of things last week: high gas prices, high drug prices, high medical expenses, the trade deficit, the budget deficit, stem cell research, mad cow disease or the war in Iraq.

So, what did Congress choose to tackle? Flag burning.

Really.

Members passed a bill to once again send to the states for ratification an amendment giving Congress the power to prohibit the “physical desecration” of the American flag.

This is, of course, a political ritual. Every year, certain members of the House give emotional speeches and vow to end the phony plague of flag burning.

Just one problem: Nobody is burning flags. It just isn’t happening. Most Americans have never even seen another American burn a flag except, ironically, in a solemn flag-disposal ceremony.

Unfortunately, most flag burning seems to be done by citizens of other nations angry at U.S. foreign policy, and our constitutional amendment isn’t going to matter a whit to them.

This amendment does fit with the general philosophy of repression in Washington. Americans are fearful, angry and suspicious, and certain politicians see that as an opportunity to drape themselves in the flag.

It’s a sad spectacle.