Is the burning of our flag the right way to protest?

Question

I think that burning our flag is a heinous act, I do believe, however, that we should not ban this act.

I want to add that I am very much against it, I'm not for it at all. I just would not try to ban it because I believe that everyone should at least have the right to express this. But if I see someone burning our flag. I'd definitely despise that person very much.

Answer 1

Ok here we go.

Does anyone here know the proper way to dispose of an american flag after it has become threadbare? Anyone?!?

By BURNING it!!!

So are you really upset by the burning?..... or the by the thought/intent behind the burning? Think about it....

So you see one old soldier burning a flag and you salute him, you see a man on the street burning one and he should go to jail? What exactly are you outlawing?

To the 1st answerer: What in the hell does an economic policy of the state managing all resources (communism) have to do with burning a flag?

EDIT: You people are unbelievable... do you understand that soldiers burn flags ALL THE TIME!! To properly dispose of them? How can you say "Idiots burn flags" when it is how you are SUPPOSED to get rid of them? Do you people do any research before you spout off?

Stacy: Did you even read your links? I quote from your 1st link:
"...Texas vs Johnson (1990) reversing the conviction of a man who expressed his strong displeasure with U. S. policy by burning an American flag."
"The Court again ruled for the protester, a man who set fire to a flag on the steps of the U. S. Capitol..."

From your 4th link, the most recent case pertaining to the flag itself:
'1990, June 11: The Supreme Court rules 5-4 in the case of United States v Eichman that the government cannot ban the physical desecration of the American flag."

Thanx for doing my homework for me.

Answer 2

It's just plain silly. The flag is a symbol and it means a lot to a great many people. When someone burns the flag is really is deeply offensive. Aren't there better ways to protest the action of "people" with whom you disagree?? You know, a person may disagree with religion, but is appropriate to burn their symbols to excercise your disagreement? You know I'm no fan of the current administration and the things they have done, but the US Flag represents over 200 years of things about which I am pretty doggone proud. The actions of an ignorant few will not cause me to feel less proud of my country or feel the need to burn my own flag to make a point that in the end only makes me look ridiculous. I'm sure you can find better ways to show your dissent that might actually make people take notice of the point you are trying to make. Good luck with that.

Answer 3

No, I wouldn't ban it, but beware ...if you do it around the wrong people flag burning can be a very dangerous thing to do. I know if I or my friends saw someone burning the flag, that person would be taking a quick trip to the emergency room. And yes I know I'd be arrested for assault, but I don't care. Burn the flag at your own peril.

Answer 4

All protests of the desecration of the U.S. Flag are ment to bring about hateful responces. So everyone who seeks to limit that kind of speach are really speaking out against the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Yes, Free speach is meant to protect the speach that make us uncomfortable, not just the speach that make us feel good.

How to respond to the desecrated US Flag:

Stop, face the flag and salute, say the pledge, and sing the Anthems of America, all while the flag is burning, and instead of focusing on what is going, reflect on all that has happened, the good, and the bad. At the end declare to pursue greatness and abandon the evil. Then without any negative words, go on your way...

When they stop getting the Negative reactions from their actions, they will get board and seek some other way to cause a ruckus.

Answer 5

I believe also that you may bury the flag if it is torn tattered or not in condition to fly! Burning the flag as protest is malicious act but the voice behind the act is free speech...

Answer 6

We do need to ban this act do to the lives that were killed to keep this country free. If someone burns the flag they are burning the memories of the real heros of our land. If they have the right to my meories of what my friends and family have died for, i have the right to burn their clothing with them still wearing them. I am a disabled veteran.

Answer 7

There's really no need to. Such protests take place in cities or town, rarely out in rural places. Towns and cities usually require permits to burn anything at all. I find it really hard to understand that someone can burn a flag in a public place with no problem, but if I try to burn my leaves in my own yard, I get a $200 fine.

Answer 8

Our flag and what it represents was paid for in blood. To desecrate it is the ultimate insult. And I do believe, that the act of burning it should be outlawed.

Answer 9

I think it's an act of disrespect to this country! It's an act of a communist!

Apparently, your either not from this country and do not know what the American flag stands for, or you just think that the flag is a piece of cloth??!!!! Here's some links for you so you can better understand your own ignorance!

Answer 10

I think they should be allowed to set it on fire as long as they are willing to wrap it around them tight before they light the match. Stupid eh? So is claiming the right to burn the symbol of the country that gives you that right. It could be good for the economy though...more will have to be made. Hopefully not in China.