Should the American Flag be protected by law?

Question

Should the flag be designated as a protected symbol of our country and anyone who commits actions to desicrate it be subject to arrest, fines, and even jail?

Answer 1

NO.

Because the very idea that the flag symbolizes is the freedom to do what I want, say what I want, and protest what I want.

Answer 2

The vast majority of people arguing this debate have missed both of the essential points in question.

First, there's the piece of cloth or paper itself. Is there anything special about it, other than what it represents? No. There is nothing inherent in the item itself, as a physical object, that warrants protection, any more than any other piece of cloth or paper.

If you don't agree, then tell me why a piece of paper or cloth showing the American flag is any different than a piece of paper or cloth with any other flag or heraldic symbol or corporate logo. If it is different, then the difference is what is symbolically represented, not the fabric or paper itself.

If the paper or cloth (as an item) has no inherent value, then the value has to be symbolic. So, what's special about the American flag is its symbolic value. It represents the country, and by extension American values. And thus, it is a form of expression.

And if it is a form of expression, then by definition it's covered by the 1st Amendment freedom of expression.

So, basically, those who want to punish people for showing disrespect to the flag want to punish people for showing disrespect for the US government and/or its policies. It's the first step towards making it illegal to criticize the government.

The flag is a symbol of the country. And if you want to express an opinion regarding the country, doing to a symbolic representation is a heck of a lot better than doing it to a government building. If you oppose some of the things the US is doing, or if you want to burn the US, then I think it's much safer for people to be able to do this symbolically by burning a piece of cloth or paper, rather than blowing up government buildings.

Remember the point of freedom of speech -- it's to give people an outlet, so that they can express what they believe, without having to commit criminal actions against people or property. Once you take away the ability to express things abstractly and symbolically, not only have you stifled one of the freedoms upon which this country was founded, but you leave no alternative to expressing disapproval in other more violent ways.

If this is the home of the brave, then people should be brave enough to allow others to disagree. If this is the the land of the free, then people should be free to express their opinions, whether people want to support the government or not.

Making it illegal to symbolically attack US policies by burning a flag, while making it legal to symbolically support US policies by flying the flag, means that the government is valuing one viewpoint above the other. It means that the government is deciding what types of speech are allowed, and what opinions are valid.

And that's just one more step, among the many already taken, towards turning this country into a tyranny. Is that what you want to defend?

Answer 3

Absolutely. Too many Americans today have no patriotism. Those who do not respect the American Flag are being selfish and irresponsible with their own "Right" to express themselves. They forget that when they desecrate the American flag, they are rejecting the symbol of our freedom. We are free today only because thousands of brave men and women have fought and given their lives in many wars over a few hundred years to pay for it. How can people be so ungrateful as to not remember that and give respect to the greatest reminder of all of how great a nation we are.
I do believe wholeheartedly that the flag should be protected to preserve the idea that we must love our country and be glad and grateful that we are part of a nation that goes to bat for any other nation that needs our help to have the same freedoms we have, and those nations that are besieged by tyrannical regimes who oppress their people. How soon we forget that at one time we were under similar oppressions, and now we are in the position to help other nations to have what we take for granted.
Does anyone who thinks they have the "Right" to burn the symbol of our Freedom assume they should have the right to enjoy what it means? How sad it is! I do believe in the right to free speech. Logically, however, that only entitles one to verbally express an opinion without repercussions. It should not entitle them to be abusive to anyone or to their country, and it should not entitle them to desecrate our flag in any form. When you are dealing with spoiled rotten brats, punishment is in order because usually it is the only way to get their attention and make them understand how wrong their actions are. I am all for an amendment to make it illegal to burn or destroy the American Flag. There are many true patriots in this country who are going to be very upset if this amendment does not pass, and I hope they express it in the voting booths.

Answer 4

I should have the freedom to do what I want to the flag. It's merely a piece of cloth with some stars and stripes.

Answer 5

It is a moot issue. It didn't pass!!


"The recession started upon my arrival. It could have been some say February, some say March, some speculate maybe earlier it started, but nevertheless it happened as we showed up here."
—Bush, in the same interview, discussing the economy

Answer 6

Yes, it should be protected!!! If someone doesn't like the American flag, then they need to get the hell out of the USA!!! Love it, or leave it!

Answer 7

No. The flag should be protected by you and I.


Don't give up any freedom to the feds.

Answer 8

Are you kidding? This Country was founded on the principal of allowing dissent. Unless they burned it inside and jeopardized someones life, no.

Answer 9

We have freedom of expression and wee are giving up a little at a time. That is truly a sad thing.