Can anyone tell me, why, in a free country politicians are trying to make it illegal to burn american flag?

Question

don't we have more important things to worry about?

Answer 1

exactly we do have better things like why is alcohol and cigarettes legal and marijuana isn't

Answer 2

Quite a few incorrect answers here about the legality of burning a flag.

It is not against the law to burn the American Flag. In fact it is the proper way to dispose of a tattered or damaged flag. The fact that someone does it to make a political point, puts it the category of speech or expression.

The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Texas V. Johnson that the burning of a flag was protected speech under the 1st Amendment. All existing state and federal statutes were declared unconstitutional.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_v._Johnson

That is the reason why they were voting to create an amendment to the Constitution to give Congress the power to enact legislation. Since the precedent was set, Congress could not simply pass a law. This is the proper procedure and the way the checks and balances of our Federal Government is supposed to work.

Additionally I do not support the proposed Amendment, which failed passing of the Senate by a vote.

Like most people I would find it offensive, but you have to take the context of the protest into consideration, they are usually protesting the government or the policies of the government leaders, not the people themselves, we shouldn't take it so personally. This is not something that anyone should face arrest or legal consequences from the government. Of course we are free to protest them.

True freedom is going to imply that we are going to be faced with things that as an individual you might not agree with. The First Amendment exists to protect the speech and expressions that are not popular. Popular speech needs no protection.

To those who say if you don't like this country then leave, it is not always the country that a person doesn't like, perhaps they love their country, just not some of the decisions by those in the government. Governments have not always done the right thing.

By saying if you don't like the country then leave, you can be reasonably compared to the British Loyalists telling the same thing to many of the rebels and founding fathers as they burned their flag (the Union Jack), effigies of their leader (King George III), and official government documents (Proclamations of the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts.)

Besides instances of Flag Burning or Flag Desecration are rare instances in this country. By calling so much attention to it, you are only going to encourage it.

I believe that Sen. Daniel Inoye provided the best argument against the amendment.

"Our country's unique because our dissidents have a voice. While I take offense at disrespect to the flag, I nonetheless believe it is my continued duty as a veteran, as an American citizen, and as a United States senator to defend the constitutional right of protesters to use the flag in nonviolent speech."

This comes from a man who served in WW II, lost an arm and won the Medal of Honor.

Answer 3

Actually it is already illegal to burn the American flag. The law was passed during the Reagan presidency. They are trying to pass a law to make it legal to burn the flag.

But I agree, there are more important things to worry about.

chamberlainjk

Answer 4

Because they are trying to cut away our freedoms a little at a time so we don't realize what they are doing. If we don't have the right to free expression the flag will no longer have a meaning and might as well be burned it.

Answer 5

If you're talking about the US, it always has been illegal to burn the US flag, ever since the rebellion against the English.

Answer 6

They do this because it takes focus off of important issues that SHOULD be dealt with. Who has time to worry about terrorism, Iraq, the economy, the crime rate, the poor shape of our education system, etc. when the Congress & Senate have IMPORTANT topics to deal with (i.e., flag burning, gay marriage, etc., etc., etc.).

Note to GJneedsanswers: Don't you think that some of those people may have given their lives for the rights we "supposedly" enjoy in this country. What about freedom of speech?

Answer 7

As to your question:
America is a free country for many, many reasons, but one of the reasons people seem to forget is that we are strong because of our political clout. And I in no way mean using our political and military power to subdue/subjugate others (that is entirely different topic). The political power that our nation weilds allows Americans to act out (peaceably), practice religion, say things, etc. that millions of other people in other countries are probited, sometimes by punishment of death from doing, practicing, saying. Yet, in order to maintain all of those freedoms, our political system must also establish perimeters or guidelines (if you will) in order to maintain the security and well being of our country. While many do not agree/ hold with actions taken by our government, it is still our duty, as Americans, to support those beforementioned freedoms in some way, even if it is only refraining from burning a piece of cloth. That peice of cloth that many want to burn isn't only a symbol of America (as a country). It represents the political, religious, press, etc. freedoms that were not only set down as law by our forefathers, but also fought for by millions. It also represents the millions of immigrants, from all walks of life, that have come to this country in order to get a hand up into a better life, get away from persecution, support their families, and make a better path for their children, among the hundreds of other reasons.

Is it so much to ask that we respect those freedoms and our nation's political need to maintain them by not burning the symbol that represents all of that?

Answer 8

I just don't agree with it, after all of the people who have died for this country's freedom. I've heard of people burning flags as a sign of respect for this country. Not sure of the details there, but for those who don't like this country..LEAVE!!! No one's begging you to stay here.

Answer 9

because it's disrepectful and offensive to people. Anyone that wants to burn the flag doesn't have more important things to worry about.

Answer 10

Sure we do--like setting Eagles on fire! What will be next after burning the flag?

Answer 11

Republicans are trying to stir up their base, which views flag burning, gay marrage, abortion, and prayer in schools as major issues. These are known as "wedge issues" that they hope will drive their voters to the polls.