My government class was having a debate on this subject. I was just wondering other peoples opinions on it also.
2006-09-22 17:14:17 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
My opinion: I have served in the armed forces and the flag that represent our nation means a lot to me (as it should to everyone else). That will be like if someone you don't know stops in your house and disrespects your entire family, rips up everything you own and worked for and walk out the door laughing while driving away in your ride...you're not gonna just sit there and put up with it. Well, The U.S. flag represents our 50 states and the blood that our troops (the past, present and future) shed to protect our consitution and our freedom....so for someone to sit there and step, burn, etc our flag everyone should be pissed at that individual, so in theory, YES it should be illegal.
2006-09-22 17:46:55 · answer #1 · answered by eightballe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The prefered way to retire an old US flag is to burn it, bet you did not know that, so on some occasions burning the flag is not only legal, it is desirable.
Aside from this, I do think that yes it is important that we allow people the right to burn the flag as a sign of protest, it's important to remember that the United States is not a sacred institution, it is just a country, made up of people.
2006-09-22 17:24:32 · answer #2 · answered by Nick F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it should not be illegal. Immoral maybe, but we know that in our system, even among the police there is a lot of legal immorality.
The flag burner is expressing his opinion, and is protected by the constitution. If his action is immoral, that is what should be in issue. My personal opinion? TOo much went into creating that flag and its symbol. Just burn the face of what you are protesting instead
2006-09-23 01:57:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It makes no sense to me for it to be legal when so many people died for it, and are still dying for it today as we speak.
Anyone "AMERICAN" wanting to burn a US flag should have the right to do it, NOT HERE but in Iran and Iraq, then don't come back wanting to partake of our freedom, stay over there.
Loosely translated? Do Not burn and American flag in disgrace in front of me, Period!!!
If every able boy starting from the age of 18, that aren't in school or college would serve their country for 2 years minimum, I think the crime rate and gangs would go down, plus they would develop some useful career skills and they would have a better appreciation for their freedom and country. Yes, it should be illegal to burn, on US soil. Period!!!
2006-09-22 17:39:55 · answer #4 · answered by COOL G 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it is the ultimate test of free speech and what the flag itself represents. We arrest people for too much stupid **** in this country, and then we have to let violent felons out to make room for petty crimes that shouldn't be crimes in the first place. It's getting ridiculous. America has more people behind bars than any other country in the world (proportionally) and this is supposed to be the land of the free.
2006-09-22 18:21:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be illegal to burn the U.S. flag. It's not about burning the fabric from which it is made, but about what the flag means (unity, faith, hope, etc.) and how burning it would be destroying human morals.
- a kid from the U.S.
2006-09-22 17:26:09 · answer #6 · answered by Jacques 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say no, even though it angers me. It is not a directly harmful act against others, so it should not be illegal.
HOWEVER:
Those committing such an act are stating that they are enemies of our nation and therefore merit whatever attention they gain from the FBI or from loyal Americans.
From a national security perspective, we would rather know who they are when they reveal themselves than make it illegal for them to reveal themselves, yes?
Also bear in mind that the correct way to retire a flag that is deteriorated is to burn it, respectfully. If you have flags needing such attention, take them to your local Boy Scout troop.
2006-09-22 17:17:13 · answer #7 · answered by speakeasy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well Kyala i spend 26 months in the jungles of Vietnam 25 yrs active military and countless hours in the air protecting our nation for what it stands for i would be very offended to see the American symbol of freedom trashed slandered and ultimately desecrated burned should i see this done in my presence i would kick some *** and let the jury decide only a scum bag would burn it so go ahead and desecrate it someone might put their boot up someone *** many do not understand the meaning of the US flag the one that says its only a piece of cloth yes it is but has patriotic implications lets cancel the 4th of July its only a date on a calendar
2006-09-22 17:33:30 · answer #8 · answered by aldo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I firmly believe it is covered under the freedom of speech / freedom of expression part of the constitution.
I believe in ones right to burn ANY flag or effigy.
Would I do it? no... I love this country too much. But I will defend to the death, ones right to free speech.
2006-09-22 17:25:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter what country your in or what countries flag it should be a mandatory Jail sentence to burn the flag.
It's a heritage thing and we should all respect everyones heritage.
2006-09-22 18:06:14 · answer #10 · answered by nofucups 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋