Do you think that burning the American flag should be a crime or should it be a expression of free speech?

Question

Explain your point.

Answer 1

That's a tricky question, it should be illegal because the flag is a symbol of what makes America great...but at the same time making it a crime would go against what America is about, the freedom to choose and express yourself. In my opinion though, if you feel the need to burn the American flag and you are an American citizen, maybe you should denounse your citizenship and try China for awhile, as a Chinese citizen not an American visitor!

Answer 2

It should be a crime because of what it symbolizes. Why would someone want to burn a flag? Its stupid. Why dont they just say what they have to say with words instead of making a demonstration? It is desecrating a symbol of our country. People are arrested for spray painting graffiti too, should that not be an expression of free speech? People are arrested for defacing the cliff paintings left by the Native Americans or a National Monument. Should it be considered free speech to write "death to all jews"on the Washington Monument? There are a lot of things protected in this country, but our flag is not one of them. Frankly I am tired of everyone trying to be politically correct. If I see someone burning a flag you can bet your *** I will put a stop to it. That flag stands for freedom, and I wont tolerate some jackass taking that for granted. Let him make his little statement about our govt. or our country or whatever he is upset with this week and then as soon as he is done, escort his butt to the nearest border and its adios amigo. Be sure to warn him he will be shot on sight if he tries to return.

Answer 3

How can it be a crime? It's a piece of cotton. Cotton doesn't stand for anything. A flag doesn't stand for anything in the same way my Levi's don't stand for anything. What if you were on a stranded on an island, freezing and starving to death, you'd managed to kill a rabbit, but you needed to cook it. You've managed to collect some wood but it is all damp, your only chance of survival is to use a giant US, dry, cotton flag (that you happen to be stranded with) as kindling to get the fire going. I know I would happily burn it. As I'd need the fire for warmth and food, if I didn't set it on fire I would die.

Countries are imaginary lines. People continue to fight and die for imaginary lines, how sad.

There's no such thing as freedom in any country yet, the human race is not technologically advanced enough. When we have the technology to create and manipulate our own universes then we'll be free.

Answer 4

I think that most people that burn the flag are burning it to get a rise out of people. I think it is a shame to desecrate something that represents the very freedom that gives them the right to burn and destroy it. Burning their flag in turn only states that they don't have much faith in this country and what it was founded upon, a large part of which is freedom of speech. So burn the flag, just remember that a lot of men and women died to protect your right to do so. Sad but true. I LOVE YOU OLD GLORY!

Answer 5

The flag is a symbol of freedoms including freedom of speech which burning it falls under to make if a crime your outlawing freedom.

Answer 6

Isn't burning a flag the proper way to dispose of it? what are you supposed to do with a torn faded flag. It seems throwing it in the garbage is an even nastier way of dealing with this. So ceremoniously burning it or putting it to rest is the only option.

Answer 7

Hate to say it, but it should be considered freedom of speech. I would just like to think that people could come up with a more constructive and productive way to show dissent. After all, the flag is a symbol their right to protest.

Answer 8

I think burning ANY country's flag should be a crime and a shameful act.

Those of us who have fought for this country and those who have people fighting for this country should see the flag as more than a flag. To me, it represents this country that I fought for, that people died for. The country my grandfathers fought for.

If you burn the American flag you should be disgraced by the entire country and your citizenship should be revoked.

Only Cowardly bastard hippies hide behind "freedom of expression"

Answer 9

It is a free country we should be able to do what we want if we bought the flag;if we cant then there is no freedom.

Answer 10

I hate to admit it,but yes,burning the American flag IS an expression of freedom of speech. Just don't do it in front of me or McDonalds will be serving some strange tasting burgers after you disappear,lol.