We believe that preservation of the flag as a symbol of nationhood and national unity is a compelling and valid state interest. We feel very certain that Congress has the power to both adopt a national symbol and to take steps to prevent the destruction of that symbol, to protect the symbol . . . we believe that if a symbol is . . . abused that it can in fact, lose its symbolic effect.

According to Texas’s attorney, why should the flag be protected?

to uphold it as a symbol of unity
to prevent other symbols from being adopted
to allow it to lose its symbolic effect
to preserve it as a symbol of nationhood
to protect its effect as a symbol