May 31, 2006
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Flag Burning
Every once in a while the issue of flag burning becomes an issue in our nation. The supreme court has ruled that defacing a flag is protected speech. Various amendments to the Constitution have been introduced.
Should flag burning be considered free speech?
Comments (264)
*shrugs* I don’t like it.
no because you’re not speaking
I don’t believe so…….there are many other ways to get your point across.
Sure, but I am not a big fan.
yes
unfortunatly
I consider it rude, and I think there would be far better ways to get your message across.
Then again, Rabble_Rouser_911 would just consider it a call to revolution
~Akania
I asked by brother this question because he is a veteran. He said, “As much as I deplore the act, that is one of the freedoms I defended.”
I think it’s disrespectful, but sometimes that’s what you need to make a pt.
So I guess I’d say yeah, free speech.
3th! (me thinx)
(srry, I’ve always wanted to type 3th
)
10
i don’t really care that “type” of free speech
damnit!
but it’s free speech as much as fred phelps and those jerks from westboro baptist church with their “god hates fags” crap.
probably, but i really don’t know…
its disrespectful
Here there are all these rules for how a flag is to be hung, not to touch the ground, a light on it if left up at night, and burning it is ok?? If you have that big of a problem with this country that you feel the need to burn the flag, leave. There are much better ways of getting things done, than by protesting with the destruction of this symbol.
Good Morning Dan,
This is the U.S. of course it should be legal….and while we’re @ it – lets burn an effigy of Bush….Yay U.S.A.
Candy
Definitely not, I agree with talaidh’s comment.
yes..i don’t see what the big deal is about burning the flag
Personally, I think the right to kick a flagburner in the arse out to be a protected privilege.
Is anyone speaking? No, it’s just blatant disrespect and nothing else.
I think it is. There are plenty of acts out there that people find deplorable that are still legal and still considered to be free speech or an act of free will. That’s what makes the USA so great, that we can protest against our own country and not be punished or imprisoned for it.
Unfortunately, some people choose to use their freedom to express their disgust with it. It is their right to act like idiots though.
If we kicked off all free speech because it were rude or disrespectful, humans wouldn’t get very far at all, I’m afraid.
As for flag burning, it’s intended to be symbolic. Speech isn’t limited to what comes out of your mouth – it also has to do with the message you intend to put across. Lighting up a flag to toast marshmellows is rude and unnecessary.
Burning a flag in protest when you feel it, or your country (which it stands for), are being misrepresented by the current system of government shouldn’t just be considered free speech. It should be considered patriotic.
Sure.
yes
haha. i want to kick fred phelps, pat robertson, george bush, and anyone else i dislike and disagree with in the arse while we’re at it.
Should idiot burning be considered free speech?
Go talaidh!
Burning flags is what the enemy does. You know that ball at the top of your flag pole? You wanna know why it’s there? Because back in the day, that had three things in it. A knife, a match, and a bullet.
A bullet to defend your flag
The knife to cut yours down before your enemy could
and a match to burn it before the enemy could disrespect it.
Flags are burned when your forced to surrender.
Freedom of Speech is when your still fighting.
The rules on flag ettiquete aren’t enforced by *law.* They are accepted methods of showing respect for the flag. It doesn’t really make sense to say “here there are all of these rules but burning it is okay,” because obviously in most cases burning it doesn’t show respect. Then again, when a flag is worn out it is supposed to be burned as a manner of respect.
Here there are all these rules for how a flag is to be hung, not to touch the ground, a light on it if left up at night, and burning it is ok?? If you have that big of a problem with this country that you feel the need to burn the flag, leave. There are much better ways of getting things done, than by protesting with the destruction of this symbol.
Posted 5/31/2006 at 9:42 AM by talaidh ….
I can’t say it any better than that!!
Let’s take another angle on this: Why should it be a criminal offense in the first place?
We don’t need to defend the action until a decent attack is made.
32nd!
Hmm.. If we’re going to be really technical about it…. Technically, they aren’t ‘speaking’ they are just being disrespectful. I don’t like or agree with it. But free-speech? I guess in a way, yes.
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
- Voltaire
IT’S JUST LIKE AN ETHOGY, IT’S MEANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT. IT ISNT ENDANGERING ANYONE PHYSICALLY. IT IS AND SHOULD STAY PROTECTED BY THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
Think of it this way…
The right to free speech, the right to freedom of press, the right to bear arms…all of these were enacted with one thing in mind: When the government screws things up, we need to be able to revolt, just like we revolted against the opression of Britian. Remember your roots, people — they lie in rebellion, protest, and absolute disrespect against the old authority system.
Now, before that gets out of hand, be sure you know what constitutes reasonable terms for a revolution. We don’t want any French politics on our hands…
I dont believe in it. Not at all. I find it very disrespectful!
I’d say yes.. even though it is a disrespectful act.
It’s only fabric… but at the same time it represents something. I don’t think someone should be fined or thrown in jail for it.. unless they didn’t buy the flag themselves and they took someone elses.
It’s more bothersome what their burning represents.
I don’t like it … but i guess so.
yes but I think it’s pretty bad to do it
Definitely not. It’s completely disrespectful to the country. I wouldn’t burn any country’s flag, even a country that is our enemy. There are better ways to protest things than mutilating their symbol.
NO.
No flag burning, thats a disgrace to to the United States, the land where we are from and should honor and respect. Hi Dan!
it shouldnt but then it brings back memories of the futurama where zoidberg eats a flag.
not unless one is speaking while burning it LOL
True, it is a freedom, but it is totally disrespectful.
Yes, flag burning should be protected.
The thing about the first amendment is that it doesn’t only cover “respectful” speech. It’s there so there can be controversy. There are a lot of legitimate complaints people have against government that cannot always be stated respectfully.
I think flag burning could be used as a very effective symbol. Something along the lines of “things have become so horrible that we no longer feel represented by this country” or “this flag no longer stands for the same ideals.”
I think it is destructive and disrespectful; but you can’t legislate respect and love of country. Democracy is an incredible thing–”Government for the people by the people.” Dictators are insecure and therefore have to defend their leadership by making rules. Our Nation is strong does not need to be coddled. USA, USA, USA!
NO
Its free speech, but I don’t like it when people burn flags. Its so disrespectful.
Since when has burning objects counted as talking?
No. I mean, what’s the point? It’s not making a statement, it just makes people mad.
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no.
if you hate America so much that you need to burn her flag, give back all your logical freedoms and leave.
I think so.
I AGREE WITH PYRO589 AND HIS QUOTE FROM VOLTAIRE.
Yes. The best part about this country is that we are free to protest our own government. If you think that’s too disrespectful or whatever else, why don’t you move to one of the many countries where the government tells you exactly what to do at all times, and has you killed without a trial for questioning them.
americans are so uptight. let them burn that darn flag to get a point across, maybe the government would pay attention to what they are saying. it is free speech. it’s just symbolic.
– @lice
well … it’s just plain disrespectful and when people in other countries do it, it is pure hatred!
hi Daaaaaan!
How did you get so many people to constantly comment at your site?
its just a flag, its burning fabric, and that’s probably as symbolic as it gets literally.
I’m certainly not a fan. It’s a very strong statement to make, almost treasonous. But yes, it is protected free speech.
no, the end
Deffinatly.
That’s a tough one to call… I don’t like it. If people hate America so much that they’re burning the flag, why don’t they move somewhere else?
I recommend I truly gigantic flag burning occasion. Flag burners should buy millions of flags—that’ll fire up (pardon the pun) the flag-making economy—hundreds of gallons of gasoline—that’ll bankrupt the flag burners—and go for it. After the gala event, the flag-making companies will be rich, the average cost of a flag will be low enough for the rest of us to afford one, and the flag burners will be living in cardboard boxes.
The bigger the bonfire the better.
YES
I believe it is free speech, but if someone wants to argue that it’s not “speech”, I plead the 9th Amendment:
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
NO. We have the freedom of speech. Not the freedom of stupidity. The sad thing is that we have to ask that question, patriotism is almost lost in our America.
Well – I think it is a bit of a stretch, but yeah…. I guess it qualifies….
Sure. And killing black people should be legal too!
OH WAIT.
It’s a simple expression, much like burning someone in effigy.
As long as they burn the symbol of the country and not the country itself, it’s all good.
Burning a flag is not an attack on the country, nor is it harming anyone. There are bigger things to be upset about.
Isn’t it actually a desecration of a national something-or-other; this doesn’t fall into free speech. I agree with Candy-I would burn an effigy of Bush any day!
Burning stuff to make a point sounds stupid. Only neanderthals would be highly impressed.
I personally feel it should not be, indeed I think it’s almost on a par with cross-burning which to my knowledge is considered a hate crime.
This is a touchy issue. I don’t believe it is either respectful or beneficial to burn a flag in order to make a point…and so I’m inclined to say no.
But you can’t rule out burning flags altogether, afterall, aren’t we supposed to burn our flags to dispose of them when they are old? Is that considered the respectful way?
I don’t think it should be considered “speech”.
But I don’t support amendments to prevent burning either. I think it’s civil idolatry to place so much emphasis on a symbol. If you buy the flag, I think you should be allowed to burn it in a safe manner.
Doesn’t it seem treasonous?
But in reality I think I would reluctantly say yes…sad thing
To look at it another way, burning a flag is like burning a letter your ex sent you.
It doesn’t hurt anyone or change anything, it’s not even disrespectful, but it says something, maybe provides some closure…and hell, it makes you feel better.
Picture this — The year is 1980. Jimmy Carter is President and American hostages are being held in Iran for what will turn out to be 444 consecutive days. Interest rates and gas prices are climbing, and the nation is described by President Carter as being caught in a malaise.
Now, suppose I wanted to protest President Carter’s job performance. Suppose further that I go out and buy myself an American flag and a bic lighter. Then suppose that I stand on the local public square and protest in a loud voice saying, “This is what Jimmy Carter is doing to this nation!!” And then I light my flag on fire.
Should that conduct be punishable as a crime? If so, then in our zeal to protect the flag we have become the embodiment of everything that contradicts the principles for which that flag stands.
I’m not a huge fan of it…but seriously…it’s just a flag. They had to buy it, so it is theirs to do with as they please. You wanna burn a flag…go ahead.
No indeed. Burning a flag in protest is disrespectful to our country and what it stands for. The Supreme Court ruled this, of course, in favor of the same people who found it offensive to have “In God We Trust” printed on our currency and who thought the Ten Commandments being publically displayed was the Christian’s way of shoving biblical facts in their faces. Our country was founded on Godly principles by a few God fearing men, and they would be rolling over in their graves if they knew what this country has come to.
Why not?
And, Dan, I’d like to ask something. For a topic, could you put something about Wicca up? Real Wicca? Not the crap they teach you in story boooks. I’d like to see people’s opinions and what the movies had done to their minds…
Just exactly like Sinead O’Connor tearing up a picture of the Pope. What other purpose could flag burning serve? The flag is only a symbol. If you are allowed to say “I hate this country” then you are allowed to burn the flag.
ThaaTs DeeP
Nope. Flag burners should be arrested and prosecuted particularly while the nation is at war.
Wow… Y’all get worked up about that situation…which is probably why they do it…burn the flag that is…like most undeveloped, undermature person, the person who chooses to burn flags does it for the reaction rather than the statement….but at any rate, destruction of private property is a private citizen’s right….but hey, it’s your country…’Til The Next
No, and neither should pornography. The First Amendment was meant to protect speech, as in political, religious, and so forth. It was not meant to be used as the ACLU has fought for.
Yes. But, I also have the right to tell said flagburner exactly where they can shove the flagpole with the flag still burning on it.
I believe it is freedom of speech but there is an exception. You should Not burn the flag in the country you are in. Its out of respect of the soil you are standing on.
To amend the constitution so it defends the blasphemy that our enemies would commit against our nations sovereignty is like putting a knife ot our throats and saying “I dare you to dare me to slit my own throat”
yes, but there are plenty of other rules about public safety that generally prohibit burning anything in public.
Yes, though I wouldn’t do it
no b/c its like burning a bible or something sacred but unfortunately it is considered free speech
What Psycho Delicate said! Yes!
The fact that it gets so much attention shows that it is a powerful form of speech. I do wonder what people are actually trying to say when they burn the flag. I think there are much more articulate ways of expressing yourself.
Flag burning doesn’t actually involve any speaking so it doesn’t fall under tht law in my IMHO!
i’m not quite sure why burning a piece of material woven into a specific design has become so offensive. what does it matter? what constitutes a “flag” in the technical sense? if i draw a picture in the likeness of an US flag is that a legitimate flag that i cannot burn? is our country so shallow and rooted in such absurdity that we have to protect an image in order to protect our freedoms and identity? (i might say yes, but very carefully!)
It shouldn’t be…… but isn’t that what our men and women fight for??? freedom of speech?? no matter how ignorant your way of speaking is.
Dan, I will miss your daily posting for a bit. I’m off to get married and an 11 day honeymoon! Wish us well!
I’ll catch up when I return.
People have the right to burn the flag. Its disrespectful and is stupid, but there aren’t any laws against that.
People have the right to burn the flag. Its disrespectful and is stupid, but there aren’t any laws against that.
grudgingly yes…
no cause it’s not speaking. it’s doing. and why would you want to burn a flag anyways? especially one that’s an important symbol of someone’s country? that’s dumb andddd yeah, there are like 409380 different ways to get your point across without offending someone!
absolutely. yes. burn it. if you have a reason. and feel it expresses the appropriate sentiment. burn it. sometimes life is rude, people. and sometimes, just sometimes, it’s even unpleasant.
and leaving because things are shitty shows how little someone believes in their country. protestors aren’t protesting because they don’t care. they think something is wrong and want to right it. and unfortunately our “free” society gives us very limited ways of making that happen as individuals. sigh.
No…burning a flag isn’t free speech…it’s burning a flag..which represents a country…it’s just plain wrong.
what a toughie..
the american flag is the symbol of our country. we live in this country, therefore we are also threatened. if a person hates our country so much, he/she can leave.
Yes. Want to hear a story? Good! (It is true by the way)
Colin Powell was exiting a plane some years ago. (I want to say it was after the Gulf War.) Anyway, as he was doing so, there was a group of protesters burning an American flag. When asked what he thought about this “atrocity” Powell said it was beautiful. Bewildered, the reporter then asked why Powell said that. His answer was simple: he fought so that those people could have the right to burn that flag.
A friend of mine from college told me that story. How did he know it? His dad was there as it was going on.
We would do well to remember that our soldiers are fighting and dying so that we can have that freedom and others. (No, I don’t agree with our current war, but I do very much respect the soldiers fighting it.) It may not be socially acceptable to burn a flag, but then again, most of that which goes against the mainstream is socially unacceptable. I say burn away, but have a cause, and know what you are saying, and why, when you burn the flag.
Its sick in my opinion. They can still do it though.
burn the gay pride flag and we’ll see what’s considered free speech
never… never
See here’s my problem. The proper way to dispose of the flag is to burn it. So when is a person burning the flag to properly dispose of it (say it’s worn out from prolonged use) and when is the person burning the flag out of disrespect? I think in some cases it’s obvious that a person is burning the flag out of disrespect, but I don’t want it to become a problem for the people who are burning the flag to properly dispose of it.
That is what make us free. The right to burn the flag is a form of free speech. You may not like it, but someone has the right to do it. Personally I couldn’t burn the flag, but I would be one of those protesting our involvement in Iraq. As a teenager I voiced my opposition of theVietNam War even when my brother was over there.
When an American flag touches the ground it is proper to burn it.
I wonder if the Constitution will ever be ruled unConstitutional?
If you think about it, an American that burns the flag is a moron. He’s destroying the symbol of the very thing that gives him the freedom to do what he’s doing. Give him a gun and he’ll say, “Hey look everyone, watch me shoot myself in the foot!” They have every right in the world to declare, “Look, I’m and idiot.” Fair warning for the rest of us to steer clear of them.
Don’t the Boy Scouts burn flags that are old as a sign of respect?
I think it all really depends on context.
maybe. i dont really care.
it’s near to violence. it’s not hurting someone, but it’s like hurting a manifestation of it.
Not in America.
What’s all this about “disrespectful”? What does that even mean? Disrespectful to what, or whom? Our “country”, which is an elusive entity at best? Or that ole standby “the good men and women in uniform who gave their lives blah blah blah”? I never asked anyone to go to war for me. Some old rich white guy decided it was in his best interest (if you think otherwise, you’re fooling yourself) to invade some impoverished country and rape and pillage the hell out of it. That’s what our girls and boys are dying for. It makes us feel better to call it a fight for “democracy” or “freedom” or some other catch-all phrase that’s so overused it’s meaningless.
A better question would be: “Are american flag boxer shorts disrespectful?”
I think it’s free speech; it’s somewhat disrespectful to the soldiers who have given their lives, but they also gave their lives for freedom of speech. We, as a society, just don’t regard the flag as highly as past generations.
Oh, and everyone who posted that it’s not “speech” because it’s an act needs to go away. Just go away. You’re not anything to this discussion but the sounds of the rest of us pounding our foreheads against our computer screens and shouting “idiots!”. Go tie your shoelaces together, or something. Take yourselves out of the gene pool. Please. For the good of the country.
Yes, it should be considered free speech, obviously. No explanation should be needed.
no
Yes! How else will you show that you’re a Confederate if you don’t burn the Yankee flag?
Sure.
It’s just a flag, right?
My country is much much more than just a piece of cloth. That cloth stands for something extremely important to me, but in the end, it is just a piece of cloth and it is the principles it stands for that are important. Burning it as a form of free speech, sure. I wouldn’t like seeing it, but I could accept it. (If the flag belongs to the person burning it and it isn’t a defacement of public property.) I think a person’s right to burn the flag is a very graphic and literal symbol of the very freedoms that flag stands for.
Sure.
I think it’s disrespectful…and there are laws in this country, so I don’t exactly understand why it couldn’t be considered an act of treason…showing such blatant disdain for a country….there’s a lot about the U.S. I don’t like, but I still have respect, because there is no place else I’d rather have been born…
I think it’s disrespectful…and there are laws in this country, so I don’t exactly understand why it couldn’t be considered an act of treason…showing such blatant disdain for a country….there’s a lot about the U.S. I don’t like, but I still have respect, because there is no place else I’d rather have been born…
It should be considered creepy speech…
It should be considered free speech, but anyone that does should take a long walk off a short peer. Then be stabbed. By me. Twice. Anyone that disrespects the flag that all our soildiers fought and died for for centries is dead to me. Like the country or not don’t disrespect the flag.
I don’t think it is right. Many soldiers died for that flag(country). Even if it is legal, it is extremely disrespectful. We would be disrespecting those who gave up their lives for our freedom of speech.
NO! I thought speech was TALKING, not an action.
<3
yes. but it should be labeled “Freedom of Expression”
Yes, definately. If flag burning were ever banned I would consider leaving the country immediately. Even though I would never do it myself and I believe it is disrespectful I would be far more disgusted if it were banned. Sorry but it is just a flag and someone should have the right to burn it if they want to. It definately seems to be covered under the right to free speech.
yes, but that doesnt mean it’s a mature, or nice, thing to do.
due to the unwritten rules of internet and blogging rules, i shall refrain from typing up a hate message to mama_jess.
Yes. Expressing yourself in a way that harms no one counts as free speech. It’s hypocritical and unAmerican to arrest someone for exercising their right to free speech. Personally, I’m against burning the flag and what it stands for (ie freedom of speech), but I don’t see how the government has the right to suspend American values to arrest those who are being unAmerican.
its the US! everything is legal here.
oh and i agree with mama jess
Yea~~~
nope, noe speaking is involved
The American flag stands for all of our protected rights like free speech, and if you’re going to burn the flag and disrespect the government and country, then why should the government respect the very rights they are trying to protect for you?
I don’t think that it should even matter. I don’t think that a flag should be of importance to our country. It is a piece of cloth, for all I care. Go ahead, burn the flag.
That made me sound like a bad person, but I’m not.
I don’t know you and you don’t know me. I read your site from time to time. Seeing what though provoking thing will pop up next. My site doesn’t get near the traffic and popularity that yours does. But I would appreciate it if you did a post about Sept. 11th. I just put a post up about it and I do wish more people could read what I write so maybe this is a little self promotion but it had good intentions. I would appreciate it very much. Thanks.
absolutely.
like marching in a neo-nazi, skinhead, or any other polarizing group demonstration, i might HATE what you say, or HATE the way you demonstrate your point, but as long as you do no physical harm to anything living, i will defend your right to say/do that thing.
that is what marks true freedom > when you are willing to defend someone else’s rights even when you don’t agree with them in any way.
No find some other way to make your point. Doing that disrespects everyone who’s died for their sorry asses.
agreed, tsai_tompkins
a picture is worth a thousand words. and a large gathering of people and a burning flag would draw quite a few photographers from the local newspapers. so, in the words of Psyco_Delicate, lighting a flag to toast marshmellows would be rude. but to protest our current leadership, would be a powerful and effective statement.
If we kicked off all free speech because it were rude or disrespectful, humans wouldn’t get very far at all, I’m afraid.
As for flag burning, it’s intended to be symbolic. Speech isn’t limited to what comes out of your mouth – it also has to do with the message you intend to put across. Lighting up a flag to toast marshmellows is rude and unnecessary.
Burning a flag in protest when you feel it, or your country (which it stands for), are being misrepresented by the current system of government shouldn’t just be considered free speech. It should be considered patriotic.<—–this right here? This is an intelligent statement. I agree with Psycho_Delicate
i’m not sure…
Fight Mental Illness Stigma
If it makes an AMERICAN feel good about their personal cause by BURNING our nations FLAG then I guess we have a little to much freedom in this country. The beautiful flag they are burning as a symbol of their protest, ironically is what gave them the right to light that match and be an idiot. So what is really accomplished by such a statement? Not a damn thing. Not even if you do not believe in our current system of government. Personally i think if you have that big of an issue use the media, run for president, go to your congressman, stand on a building with a megaphone to get your point across and wave your freak flag up high, but leave my flag alone. I am proud to have the freedom to type this message and look across my office at the good ole red, white and blue. Do these same idiots say the pledge of allegiance and sing our national anthem in public places? I’d like to know because then they are also hipocrites.
I wouldn’t burn a flag, but I feel that people have a right to do so. Freedom of expression.
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
- Voltaire
Posted 5/31/2006 at 9:59 AM by Pyro589
Voltaire never said that, though nearly everyone credits him with that quote. It’s a common mistake.
Technically speaking, I don’t much like the American flag. No, I’m not talking about the country, I’m talking about the flag itself. It’s hard to draw for all the poor kids in elem school and the stripes make it look like something a convict would wear. We should go the way Libya did–their flag is just green. Just plain green.
I think the US national anthem sucks too. It’s such a screechy song! The Filipino national anthem is much better.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
YES YES YES
its one thing to voice your opinion about something you dont like, and use free speech as a shield..but to burn the flag is should not be allowed..if a person is going to burn a flag, they can get out of the country if they hate it soo much, so it definately shouldn’t be allowed
The way I see it, if someone dislikes America enough to burn a flag, they should just leave…
last!
i think it’s disrespectful
there are other ways to get a point across
A flag is a symbol. Burning that symbol because you disagree about what it represents is free speech and democracy at it’s finest.
Yes. A person should still be able to state their opinion (which you can do without literally speaking) no matter what your opinion of it is. Burning a flag is just as much of a symbol as the flag itself is.
America, in my opinion, is about freedom…freedom of speech. You should be able to voice (whether through speaking or action) your opinion without fear of being put in jail, unless of course that action is illegal. I also think people should be aware that there are still other negative consequences, such as being persecuted by idiots who believe only their opinion counts.
its free speech, but it shouldn’t be done
Bursting out in song in the middle of a wedding party is disrespectful too. But that doesn’t mean that’s illegal.
Honestly, I think flagburning is unnessecary and stupid. But We can’t ban something just because it’s unpatriotic.
It’s not exactly speech. There is nothing said. Freedom of expression or protest, maybe. In any case, I find it to be disrespectful, and a bit anarchical and contradictory/self-defeating, that we fight for the freedom to destroy that which represents that freedom.
To answer your question strictly, no, I do not believe flag-burning should be considered free speech. I believe it should be considered freedom of expression. I also believe that if the flag is stolen to be burned, or there is another crime involved (trespassing, etc), then the individual should be prosecuted for that crime (treated as a separate entity from the issue of burning the flag).
Dangit, i meant ceremony. Not party. Crap.
Try to burn my flag. I dare you. Political Correctness is a disease.
They also have the freedom to buy plane tickets and move. If someone disrespects me and my house, I show them the door. They don’t move because while they trash our country they can’t deny the freedoms and priveleges that they enjoy while they are here.
If people are allowed to buy a flag, they should be allowed to do whatever they please with it. It’s just fabric. People act like if a flag is destroyed it’s the end of the world. Grow up and stop acting like idiots.
Freedom of speech doesn’t literally mean speech.
no
Sure, why not?
Only one post today? Are you ok?
as long as it’s their flag…or then it’s wrecking somebody else’s property. if they paid for it, then do what you like.
Yes, it should. If they overturned the Texas v. Johnson decision, I’m pretty sure it would create quite an uproar.
OF COURSE! People can express negative opinions about our country and its leaders. OF COURSE they can burn a flag, it’s basic freedom of expression. There is no argument here; the United States of America was founded under the principle of FREEDOM. If it gets to the point where I couldn’t burn a flag if I wanted to, then hell, give Georgie a crown and don’t let me call him an idiot while you’re at it!
personally, i don’t think it’s that big of a deal.
actually, everyone freaked out on me
and my group for a video project in history…
cause we burned a flag. but def. not offensely.
we were supposed to be traveling in time.
What I find strange is that when a flag becomes too old to use anymore I do believe that only approrpiate way to dispose of it is to burn it. Seems ironic, no?
flags are overrated
No what does burning a flag have to do with free speech?
In the end, the flag is a symbol, nothing more.
After Sept 11th I was appalled by various churches I saw where the flag was either draped on the Cross, or was more promenately displayed than the cross. Nationalism has no place in a church in my opinion, especially when love of country upstages Christ.
If we were to ban flag burning, I think we should ban burning of all flags, foreign and domestic. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
there are people that think the flag no longer represents the people and just corporations
burning a flag isnt good or bad its just w.e if they payed for the flag they can do whatever
I am really sick of the whole “if you don’t like the country you can get out” crap. Are you kidding me? did no one take an American history class when they were in middle school? That is EXACTLY what the foundation of this country is. People who didn’t like the country they were in leaving to start a better country, a country where they didn’t have to worry about laws made to silence the public and deminish their rights to change their government when they saw it necessary. Sure, burning the flag is in some ways a deplorable act. But it is in response to deploable actions taken by the government. I’ve had enough of blind allegence. You do not in anyway HAVE to respect the country or “get out”. As an American citizen it is your responsiblity to CHANGE that which you find deplorable. Burning the flag and in a sense denying that allegence, is a cry to the government to step up and take responsiblity. At least the people burning the flags are saying SOMETHING. Rather than sitting on the butts sitting idle while their hearts tell them that something is wrong.
Heck yes, it should be considered free speech. Whether we like it or not should have nothing to do with whether it should be allowed. We should have that right.
I guess so but I find it to be very disrespectful.
I also agree with syntaxian that if you are stealing the flag or tresspassing or something, then you should face the consequences for that crime. I just don’t think that flag burning in itself should be considered a crime.
ive got a question if people dont think that burning the us flag is bad then why do they think its right to burn the mexican flag ? ive seen so many people doing that and it raly ticks me off . so if its wrong to burn the us flag wich i think it is thenit should be wrong to burn the maxican flag no matter were you are .
yes
No!! It’s the consitution!! Why?!?!
I’m not going to answer this. Too much class debate. I can’t have an opinion anymore.
Go read up on Texas v. Johnson.
There are other ways to get your point across and say what you need to say. People who burn flags to “say” something are generally disparaged and not listened to anyway. Be intelligent and find intelligent and less disrespectful ways to speak freely – then maybe people will listen to what you have to say.
Absolutely not!!! If you don’t like it here, then you are more than welcome to leave and go live somewhere else. =)
No. Speech is done with words not flames.
flag burning shouldn’t even be talked about
Yes.
yes.
a flag is only a symbol…burning it means nothing
not really speech
A flag represents a nation. By burning a flag, you are expressing that you are so upset with the nation that you wish to destoy it. We as Americans consider it a war-like gesture when peoples of other nations do it, and other nations would consider it the same. If an American burns an American flag, that should be considered a treasonous act because you are in essence attempting to destroy the nation by destroying its moral. If you hate your own country that much, find somewhere else to go. Find a better way to express your problems. That’s why we have freedom of speech, to assemble and protest, why we have a representative government. I would never burn my own country’s flag before trying another method. Even if I despised another country, I still wouldn’t burn their flag. “Do unto they neighbor as you would have done unto yourself.”
And in response to what coaxing_composure said, I don’t think that saying “if you disagree then get out” is blind allegience. First of all, the United States founders were in colonies and had no problem with being a part of their nation until they were being forced taxes without their own say. They wanted to be able to control themselves, not merely be told what to do. And I hardly believe that they burned the British flag.
People who burn flags merely express their hatred, not their problem. How is their problem supposed to be solved if they aren’t expressing specifically their problem?!
And another thing: If everyone who disagreed with their government started to rebel and try to create a new government, it’d be absolute anarchy. Whose rights are being protected then?
You can still love your country and disagree with it at the same time. That’s me. I find it absolutely “deplorable” that people think that their disagreement means they must have disrespect for their country in which they have been reared.
Rethink your logic.
I think, in literal terms, it should be considered free speech, since it’s just a thing you buy at a store; but as a symbol of our country and all it stands for, and everything this country supports and does for its people, it’s EXTREMELY rude.
I think if you want to burn the flag, move the hell out, because it’s unpatriotic and no one cares about that sort of opinion. If you hate the country so much that you would burn the symbol of all that it stands for, LEAVE.
But I don’t think it should be considered illegal, because although it is kind of treason it’s protected as a form of free expression.. people who do that should just understand how rude and distasteful it is.
I think you can disagree without being disrespectful. After all, you could buy that flag to burn it thanks to the fact that you can earn your own money and do what you want with it.
..and I don’t think it’s right to burn any country’s flag, ever.
No. No! And NO!!
No, I think it’s incredibly rude and degrading to our country. I think everyone should be at least a little nationalistic.
Anyone who burnes a flag should be stoned! If you feel you need to burn our countrys flag you should leave the country! INGRATES!
What ever floats your boat.
Yes…expressing anti-american sentiments in other forms is not illegal, is it?
My last comment on the topic. It is your RIGHT to do what you feel is necessary (within the law) to voice your opinion. If that means burning the flag, and that is the path you choose to take that is your RIGHT. Whether you or I agree or disagree with that act is not even a valid point of discussion. And if you insist on making it a point of discussion take it up with your Representatives, and have the law changed. Until that time, I don’t want ANYONE saying what flag burning is or isn’t, it is protected under the law as such, and will remain as such until you get off your butt and say something. There are people all over the world who will never experience the freedoms we have in the United States, and they are the people who need to display their opinions the most. So enjoy what you have, both the ability to display your opinion and the ability to disagree with that display. You hold the power to change things, all you need is to take the reins.
are you talking about like…burning a flag out of like hatred or w/e. because i know it is written somwhere…and the boy scouts do it i know….that like if a flag gets kinda dirty or ragedy…you burn it…you dont just throw it away. burning it is the propper way to do it. on the other hand..if someone burns a flag just for the heck of it or do it to prove a point…thats just dissrespectful. if you hate the country so much….why live here?
Not only is it legal, I have done it.
I will continue to do it as long as
I feel the flag no longer represents
into what this country has deteriorated.
The American flag should be flown over
a free America. We are not free by any
means, and so long as we are not free,
I will not let a flag representing
freedom fly over my home.
y are they living in the U.S. if they hate it?
absolutely!!! do I think people should burn flags? absolutely not. but if we say someone can’t burn a flag, then someone else’s rights will be aken away next.
It should be a freedom. I have not had cause to do this myself, but ya know there are times when the US Government has betrayed peoples trust and been truly disgraceful, so there may be times when people are a making a very heartfelt statement by burning a flag.
People around the US worship the flag, and thats disgusting to me.
Be proud to have the freedoms we have, be proud to live in a land with so much abundance and opportunity, be proud you are one of the people that makes the USA great, but don’t pray to the flag, its not holy.
Burning crosses, that is scary to me!
no it shouldnt. it disrespects this cputry and those who died 4 it.
-Evan
Absolutely not. I could strangle somebody right now.
yes
there’s nothing wrong with blatenet disrespect. if you want to burn a flag, burn a flag. and the people that don’t want to see it, don’t have to watch.
blatent*
flag burning should absolutely be protected.
should murder be accepted in the name of freedom of religion?
I just think it is immature…………if you dont like living in this country, then get out!!
people died so that flag could be flown high and proud. if someone is choosing to burn the flag, they’re burning many peoples faith with it – people who arent around to spit in their eye.
i think its disgusting, but as extreme as it is – i think it will be protected by freedom of speech. i think its like a kid kicking and screaming for a later curfew, but coming home every day after school anyway. i think people just want the freedom to do it. at least i hope so….
It should be free…but so should the right for me to punch them in the face.
i think soultender’s brother said it all. that is what sets the usa apart from much of the rest of the world.
During the Vietnam War, my boyfriend lost a friend, who died after having been drafted, and hadn’t wanted to go. My boyfriend was not able to say anything to me about it, but threw an American flag on the ground, dirtied it, and lit it on fire. Then he hit me in the jaw. I think all of those are abuses, and no one has the right to do any of those. It is against the law, and not legal for an American to burn an American flag. I would, however, vote for anyone running for Presidency that can come up with,”Let’s stop the war we have declared in the Middle East. We were wrong.”
As much as I find it personally distasteful and offensive, yes I think it should. Though anyone considering making a statement by burning a flag needs to be completely aware of what their act signifies. It is perhaps one of the greatest insults that could be made toward this country, the founders of it, and the protectors of our freedom.
I love a statement I read years ago by Johnny Cash (I think). He said something along the lines of “I thank God that we live in a country where you have a right to burn the flag. And I also thank God that we live in a country where I have the right to bear arms so that I can shoot you if you try to burn mine.”
can’t they just leave good alone….who the hell wants to burn our flag? and if they do they need to go back to their Dictatorship country. Why cant our gov work on more important issues…..like how to feed our hungry, help hurricane victims (for real), and not allow our freaking gas prices and electricity be sooo freaking high! Flag burners are the least of our worries.
can’t they just leave good alone….who the hell wants to burn our flag? and if they do they need to go back to their Dictatorship country. Why cant our gov work on more important issues…..like how to feed our hungry, help hurricane victims (for real), and not allow our freaking gas prices and electricity be sooo freaking high! Flag burners are the least of our worries.
poo on you
go google your self
Hey! Visit my layout site. There isn’t much yet but I’m workin on it. LavenderLondon
do u jus go to google and type in “controversial topics”
flag burin’ is disrespectfull to a whole nation of people… thats discracefull… its freedom of speech but pissin’ people off is wats happenin’… freedom of speech has a borderline to wat approprate and flag burin crosses it by far….
Yes it is free speach,
It’s the same thing as defacing a mascot on a poster or what eve.
I love America.
I hate how it’s being ruined by it’s current government.
Flag burnging goes under the understood freedom of expression which stems from the combination of frredom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of press. Flag burning is allowed under freedom of expression
and also, wearygemini is right. props to him/her.
no.
I don’t really consider it “free speech”, but in no way should someone be punished for it. It may not be “morally” right, but, there are alot of things done everyday that are legal but not moral in the least bit.
yes, cuz if you ban flag burning whats next?
and anyway I find it ironic that the people burning the flag are burning the very symbol of the freedom they have which allows them to burn the flag. So I laugh when ever I see that.
O Freedom! Speech, expression, something or whatever. I’ve always wanted to do it, but then again, I’ve always wanted to twist the arms of people [who portray themselves poorly] until they pop right off.
But back to the flag thing, it’s the least and the most someone can do to show your government and fellow people that something is very wrong here, it’s a path to some recognition if you do it correctly. Burn a symbol of your country right there on capital hill, but with real and/or logical reason, and it will mean something.
Basically: What matters is that you make any of your speeches or burnings or crucifixions mean something and that you do what you can to stand up for what is truly right or what you believe (but that’s another argument) without harming others.
Free speech is just that…free speech…they are getting they’re point accross..but they aren’t, in fact, actually saying anything…just pissing people off.
so I think no.
I believe in the right to free speech, but I do find it disrespectful.
I say Absolutely Not! What kind of positive reform can be made by burning a flag?? If you are going to have freedom of speech, you should SAY SOMETHING. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” I think our burners/ persuaders-to-be could learn from that.
I think it should be a right, but if you feel that strongly, please feel free to clean up your ashes and get the hell out.
This is America. We were founded on things much worse than a flag burning. Tar and feathering anyone? We’ll return to our state of tyranny the day we cannot express our beliefs without hurting anyone. Burning a flag does not infringe upon any other person’s rights, so it is ok. It shouldn’t even be questioned in my opinion.
i think that it is free speech and should be protected. lets burn a pic of bush while we’re at it haha
rue
yo
Absolutley, psycho delicate has got the right idea. Flag burning is symbolic, and absolutley patriotic.
Besides, if you ban it the flag burnings arn’t going to stop, in fact there will probably be more
your site is dorky!
yes, and we should all be allowed to burn flags.
> I’m a veteran, and I believe in the system of government as it sits, although it does worry me occasionally. If he wants to express himself with burning the flag, let him. But he should be aware that he could drown fm the deluge of water I would douse him with as part of my freedom of expression. Nuthin’ is totally free, especially that type of expression. I’m not a violent person in normal circumstances, but that kind of circumstance is NOT normal, so anything could happen….
Peace when you can, war when you have to…Ciao
I don’t consider burning the flag a freedom of speech… I consider it rude & unnecessary. As many before me have said, there are far better ways to get your point across.
R. Baden-Powell says it well:
“The word “flag” when used to describe a standard, banner, pennant, or ensign
comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word, “fleogan”, meaning “to float in the
wind”.
The dictionary defines a flag as “a light cloth bearing a device or devices
to indicate nationality, party, etc. … a standard, banner, ensign.” The
devices – the design elements – on the flag of the United States of America
are stars and stripes.
But a flag is much more than just “a light cloth floating in the wind”. A
flag is an honored symbol of a nation’s unity, its hopes, achievements,
glory, and high resolve.
The flag of the United States of America is such a symbol … of freedoms
bravely fought for and hardily won … of protection under the Constitution
of the rights and privileges of all Americans … of promises of fulfillment
of all their hopes and principles and ideals. It is also a symbol of the
duty of all its citizens to serve in time of need, to speak out for what each
considers right, and to help correct under the law that which is honestly
believed to be wrong.
Throughout the ages men and women have developed character, courage, strength
by devotion to the symbols they believed in. That is the heritage they left
to us.“
preaching to the choir, but eh. i think people ought to have the right; they have God-given rights of choice, you know? people even have the right to make disrespectful decisions.
thanks to texas v. johnson, it is protected under the first amendment as symbolic speech.
that’s for all of you who are so ignorant that you think that speech is actually speaking.
Well flag burning may be “patriotic” to you, but you guys gotta remember that it wasn’t us, or Bush, or anyone in this lifetime for that matter who created the flag and what it symbolizes. It was the founding fathers and those who fought for the freedom we take granted of today, so I don’t care what burning the flag means to some of you, but to me that flag stands for America, the pursuit of happiness, and a constant reminder of those sacrifices so long ago. The meaning just doesn’t sway with new system of government and burning it means selfishly casting aside what it truly stands for in place of a petty, unnecessary violent action.
yes
Yes. And it should be a free speech. If we don’t have the freedom to hate our government, then what have we become????
Anarchists!
I guess.
Depends on what you believe…
Yes.
i guess
probably.