Desecrating the Flag Options

[*Kathleen*]

Hrm...I don't think there's been a topic on this, but...what do you think? Do you think it's okay? Or should it be illegal? I personally think it should be illegal. I mean, I know that this country is about free speech and whatnot, but by desecrating our flag, it's saying you don't accept our laws and whatnot; therefore, shouldn't that be illegal? Hmm what do you guys think?

[ComradeRed]

Yes, but my point is...should you be able to use symbolic speech if you don't embrace it? These people that do it desecrate the flag simply because they don't like what it stands for. What it stands for is free speech itself...then are you still allowed to destroy it like that?

The flag doesn't stand for free speech. It stands for courage, valor, and one other thing.

Kathleen, Section 2 of the Constitution only had four articles... Nice try, though.

It's better for people to burn the flag and wrap themselves in the Constitution, than vice versa. Patriotism is not loyalty to your country no matter what... I don't think anyone can fault Thomas Jefferson's patriotism, but remember that he purposely subverted the laws of the United States through teh Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, as well as burned the Federalist Papers... But in the end, it was recognized that the laws were unjust to begin with.

Burning the flag is basically saying "I disagree with something the United States did." You can say "There shouldn't be free speech" -- and you would still be exersizing your right to free speech.

Free speech is free (even political advertisment speech that costs $2 million for a 30 second spot) no matter what you believe -- it's not JUST the freedom to agree with the authorities on every issue.