This proposal states that it would be illegal to desecrate the flag of the United States. Would anyone like to share some of their opinions on that? And how many times has this proposal been brought up in the past?
2006-08-21 17:04:45 · 14 answers · asked by DarkBlue 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Actually, it would require a constitutional amendment, since the protection is afforded under 1st Amendment and federal law cannot override that.
But I think it's a mistake. The government shouldn't be spending time and effort trying to regulate what people say. Not only are there better and more important things to deal with, it's not in the nature of a free society to forbid someone from expressing their opinion about government policies, just because the government doesn't like what they're saying.
2006-08-21 17:18:40 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's an absurb waste of time.
Legislation has been introduced regarding flag desecration in:
1989; and after the Supreme Court found that flag burning was constitutional (June), Bush the First announced his support for a flag burning amendment (July).
September '89, the Flag Protection Act passes. Many flag burnings ensue as a protest. Many arrests are made.
December '89, the Justice Department admits the FPA is unconstitutional.
1990--More protests to the FPA involve flag burning.
June 1990--Supreme Court holds that the FPA is unconstitutional.
August 1990 -- "Beat up a flagburner" bills to encourage vigilantism by reducing the penalty for assault to a $5 fine if the victim is burning a flag are introduced in several state legislatures.
1995--The FPA is re-introduced in the House. It is rejected by the Senate.
1997--The FPA is re-introduced. It passes the house in 1998. In 1999 there's a new Senate, which kills the bill.
1999--House re-introduces the FPA.
Notice how the only time there was a spate of flag burning was to protest the flag burning amendment?
2006-08-21 17:09:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think people should be able to burn the flag if they feel it makes a statement. I think this bill is just another part of this overzealous, almost obsessive, patriotism that has overtaken this country. It's not like your burning a person, or a building. I also believe this bill is so publicized to take our attention away from less popular, more shady laws that are in the process of being passed. I could say a lot more, but then I'd have to go off on a rant, so I won't. Let's just say, I think it's ludacris and unnecessary.
Besides, this administration feels they can wipe their a*sses with the Constitution, so what's burning a flag or two?
2006-08-21 17:12:21 · answer #3 · answered by Gypsy Rose 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Does the flag belong to them? No. It's my flag I will do as I please with it.
Besides, the flag does not represent America. It represents the American Government.
However, burning it seems a little extreme. The proper and longer lasting way to "desecrate" the flag (Not sure if that's the word I'm looking for.) But anyway.
You set it up backwards and upside down. You have to tie knots in the corners opposite the stars, but it gets a message across without needless destruction and it lasts longer.
2006-08-21 23:05:37 · answer #4 · answered by cat_Rett_98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolute rubbish. Has there been a sudden rash of flag burnings threatening our Republic? Just a way for Republicans to divert attention from their atrocious record and policies.
It has been brought up too many times in the past. It was horsesh*t each time.
2006-08-21 17:14:07 · answer #5 · answered by marianddoc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really a bad idea to support such a bill. Although it may give more importance to our country's flag, it will only ENCOURAGE more people to burn it, as it will become even more of a heinous act than it already is. Most of the flag burning occurs in foreign countries anyways, so it seems like a waste of time trying to pass it here.
2006-08-21 17:11:31 · answer #6 · answered by Steven B 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's what makes America great. Fascists would not allowed that. I personaly would not do it but hey it's your right. The Falg is just a symbol but if you burn the constitution like Bush is doing then that actually is a crime. You see for him is just a piece of paper. The Flag or the constitution has more value?
2006-08-21 17:25:54 · answer #7 · answered by Jose R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find it funny that they want to outlaw the burning of the flag as a freedom of speech when that's the correct way to dispose of a flag - by burning. Lol.
2006-08-21 17:20:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think a law that prohibits fag burning is in keeping with the constitutional prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment, and it might help to curtail the troubling rise in flaming fags.
Oh! Flag burning! Nevermind.
2006-08-21 17:34:04 · answer #9 · answered by anonymourati 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would someone want to burn the flag? I think if someone burns our flag on our land they should be deported. If they burn it on their own land...what can we do...just watch how stupid they are.
2006-08-21 17:16:21 · answer #10 · answered by Lonesome Dove 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋