I wouldn't burn a flag. Want to argue with my claim that it's my right to?

Question

If I buy a flag, it's my property, and I can do what I want with it. Even burn it in protest. If I legally cannot, then my rights have been infringed-- the government has appropriated by property and owes me compensation.

Remember, the biggest flag burners are the American Legion. It's how the Flag Code specifies that worn-out flags be retired. So it's not the burning that upsets people-- it's the sentiment being expressed. Which is something the First Amendment protects. If you disagree with that, you're desecrating the Constitution. And that's not just a symbol!

Again, I wouldn't burn a flag. I Do, however, burn Bibles. Want to make THAT illegal?

Answer 1

No, I won't argue with you.

You have the legal right to burn a flag, a Bible, a cross, a Koran, or whatever property of yours you want, unless you are breaking some other law (arson, anti-pollution laws, harassment, etc.) which is not aimed at banning the "message" you are trying to convey. Your point about the sentiment, not the act, being at issue is a good one.

I have an extremely low opinion of the practice, of course.

But you only asked a legal question.

Answer 2

Actually, your logic, is slightly flawed. If you buy a house, you cannot burn it down, it's called arson. In most metropolitan areas you cannot burn your trash, even though it is yours, as they have ordinances against it. The government has not appropriated your property, you still have it. And no rights have been infringed, as the law against flag burning was put into place in a legal manner. You point that the American legion burns flags. This is true. However it is the MANNER that it is done in. Here, they are solemnly putting to rest used flags that no longer are in good shape. To just burn one in protest is what is against the law, and should be. I feel that you should have the right to speak agains the government, you should be able to say whatever you want. But don't burn the flag, it's a symbol of our nation. I also think that you (not you personally, just a pronoun here) should be glad that you live in a nation where you can speak out against the government. But by the same token, if you don't like it here, get the hell out.

Answer 3

Under the Article I structure of the US Constitution, all rights and liberties are in the hands of "the People" unless they are specifically delegated to the local or Federal government.

This is why the 1st Amendment doesn't say that you have the freedom of speech, but instead says that the government won't enact laws limiting that right. By specific definition, you already have the freedom of speech. The amendment was put in place to specifically forbid that right from being transferred from the People to the government and most of the original States refused to ratify the Constitution until the Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution as immedite limitations on the government. They recognized that there would be a time when people would forget and not be educated about what liberty actually meant and would sit by as the Federal government took powers it was not supposed to have.

People often forget this concept but it is fundamental to the formation of the US Constitution. In the UK the government was at the "pleasure of the King" and that is what the founders objected to. Under the US Constitution the government is the "Will of the People."

The word People is also capitalized for a specific reason. It refers to the individual citizenry instead of merely "people" in a generic humanistic reference.

Answer 4

I belive it is your choice. The flag is just a symbolm, a very meaningful symbol to people.
I would rather you burn a flag then a bible, because a bible on the other hand is not just a symbol it is a way of life for some.
But if you buy it then it is your choice.
The way this world is right now it should not even matter with people do. Just go run wild and do what you will.

Here is another question. Your suppose to retire a flag once it touches the ground. Why?

Answer 5

No, I would not argue. Thanks. Debate? Not in the mood. If symbols of Patriotism and Religion mean nothing to people they can express themselves accordingly. But where do u draw the line. In my opinion that's more the problem than an isolated incident. When u incite a riot I have a problem with that.

* does the American Legion not have a ceremony or rules for retiring flags? So, in a way it is still symbolized. You do not have to agree with the sentiment. Just follow protocol and acknowledge the beliefs of others if it is off your property.

Answer 6

Um...Okay? I'm sorry did I miss a meeting, flag burning is legal and has been for a really long time now. Why are you complaining.

Do you also want to sit at the front of the bus, or drink from the same water fountain as others because those are legal too.

Answer 7

No I wouldnt burn either a flag or a bible
the flag has a ceremony that goes with burning
and the Bible (at least mine) has irreplaceable notes that I need

Answer 8

I don't think it should be legal to burn a flag, obviously doing so knowing its illegal, is being defiant and being defiant and breaking the law shows you have NO regard for our government and if you have no regard for our government then you should LEAVE! Go move to a country where you can do whatever you want whenever you want but then don't complain because just as you want to do whatever you want remember so is everyone else there, robbing killing raping without getting in trouble...Good luck to man, oh and to burn a bible, dude get a life...

Answer 9

You should be able to destroy what ever property you want. If you want to burn a flag in protest go ahead. If someone thinks the government should stop you, they do not believe in our constitution.

Answer 10

I would never burn a flag either, and think it is horrible, but I think people do have a right to do so if they choose to.

However, I have a question for you. Why do you burn Bibles? Do you burn other books too? Are you in favor of censorship? I am not asking this to be critical of you - I am honestly curious about why you would burn any book.