Why is it alright to burn our American flag?

Question

Question is based on the defeat of the Amendment that was intended to make burning the flag illegal.

Answer 1

It isn't alright to burn a flag unless it has touched the ground and is burned in the proper way. Now being that we can't seem to keep anything in America American anymore I feel that since it is now "okay "to burn a flag then I must let it be known that I personally see burning a flag a threat to me so I have the right to defend myself and beat the living "ish" out of the burner.... but that is just me. And that is my right

Answer 2

The only time it is alright to burn the American flag is if it is done respectfully because the flag is worn out and needs to be disposed of. There is a proper way for this to be done and your local V.F.W. will usually do this for you.
As for burning flags to protest or riot or any other reason, that is not O.K.! It is wrong and should be an offense that is punishable by law. I feel that if anyone hates this country that much, they should leave! We all get angry and upset about things that happen sometime, but you don't turn against your country because someone does something that you don't like. It is disgusting to me to see a flag treated so disrespectfully! I just don't understand how anyone can claim to be an American and then burn an American flag!

Answer 3

While I do not plan on burning any flags, from any nation any time soon, I do love my counrty (I am American) and the things that have made this country a great place to live are based upon the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and Amendments. The freedoms of speech and expression preserve individual's rights, even to the point of burning a flag as a demonstration. If they bought the flag, and are not burning it in a manner inconsistent with the law and public safety, they NEED to have that right. And I need to have the right to explain my point of view to them without fear of reprisal.

I know not every person in the world would agree with my statement about this country being a great place to live, that is my opinion based on what I know of other nations. I am very thankful that I am allowed to express my opinion without fear of retribution or prosecution from any agency or government.

Answer 4

The American flag means so many different things to people. Some revere it as an almost holy symbol of our American values, while others see it just as a cloth flag.

I think that if you are an American citizen and you want to burn the flag...go for it. That is one of the gifts we have by being an American...expressing ourselves. But, if you are a foreigner, especially living in America and you burn the flag...they should be able to deport you. You, not being a citizen, don't share the same privileges we citizens do. For non-citizens, burning the American flag should be illegal and grounds for removal from our country.
I think that every American should sit down and reflect on what it means to be American. Think back to our high school civics classes and reflect on all the privileges and responsibilities we have just by being American. More than ever, now is the time that each one of us must decide if those privileges are important. If they are important to you, then be cautious in who you chose to lead our nation. Peace.

Answer 5

I think it is bad to burn the American flag in a dishonorable way, and I think it should be illegal, but the government should worry about it at a time when there's not more important things going on. I'm glad the ammedment to outlaw flag burning failed, because I think it was just a distraction by the Bush administration to try to gain support and get people's attention off of the whole Iraq thing. Things like the conflict in the middle east, social security, and millions of Americans living without access to health care are much more important issues for our overpaid, stupid, lazy congress to be worrying about than something as relatively harmless and cosmetic as flag burning. It's so ridiculous, flag burning! Destroying a flag! The government should stop being so worried about anti-Americans destroying a cloth flag and start worrying about anti-Americans destroying so many American soldiers in the middle east! The U.S. government needs to get their priorities straight and start worrying about American people, not American objects!

Answer 6

Let me start by saying that other than to properly dispose of a flag, I myself would never burn one. That having been said, while flag burning is disrespectful to the flag, country, etc. it is a method of expression. Freedom of speech, expression, etc. is not just important. It is the FIRST right of the Bill of Rights.

Just after the Constitution was drafted and released a group of people felt that it was not enough. They wanted to see key rights protected and felt that the document as written didn't address these sufficiently. From this group sprang forth the first 10 ammendments to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights. NUMBER ONE on that list was freedom of speech, the press, expression, etc. To me this means (and I think to them as well) that ANY thought or idea can be expressed so long as in doing so no harm is caused to people or property.

This is the same kind of issue that comes up when groups distasteful to many want to march down Main St. Frankly I don't want to see the Nazi's in my town, unless it's down at the morgue. But I will FULLY support their right to march. For once you say that ONE thing is not allowed. ONE thing is too distasteful, where do you draw the line? Who draws the line? The answer is there can never be a line. For once drawn it can be moved, and "one" thing will become two, then four then ten, etc.

Is the flag special? Yes. Should it be treated with respect? Yes. Is it the symbol of our country? Yes. And as a symbol, it is I think the greatest test of our own ideals that we allow people to burn the flag as they see fit. In the United States no person, and no object shall be placed above the law. The Constitution will ALWAYS come first.

Answer 7

As Americans we are guaranteed certain rights under the Constitution. The most important of these is the freedom of speech. A Constiutional amendment banning flag burning is another step towards killing this freedom. I don't personally burn flags but I should have the right to make a political statement if I so desire.

Answer 8

In America we are allowed to say what we believe. Even if it is offensive to others. We can not make laws that prevent people from saying unpleasant things. The flag is a symbol, just a symbol of the USA. If some one is upset at the policies or directions of the US, than they can express that though by say the country has lost it way or integrity. One way to say that is to burn the flag.

We can not stop people from criticizing the government. If we do than it is a short road to tyranny. Of course there are many ways to express your criticism, but for a TV generation Flag burning shows up well on TV.

Answer 9

Burning the flag is a right to a basic American freedom, freedom of expression.
If you make it illegal you are also setting the tone for convictions for 'crimes against the government' including speaking against the administration that it seems 70% of Americans are doing right now aren't they?
How do you keep your freedom of speech, freedom to THINK what you want, SAY what you want and yes, even EXPRESS it the way you want if you fight the right to burn the flag? You can't pick and choose what actions are appropriate, freedom of speech and freedom of expression cannot be censored or work on a 'majority rule' platform.

Just because it offends YOU, doesn't make it wrong. I believe THIS is the basis for the freedom act??

Answer 10

It depends on whether you are talking about flag ediquette or applied law. Under flag ediquette, the burning of a flag is the proper way to dispose of a weathered, torn, or soiled flag.
As far as the legality of flag burning goes, the Supreme Court has held that flag burning is freedom of expression, protected by the first ammendment. This is however dependent on the circumstances. For example, you can burn your own flag, but you can't burn someone else's flag.