Is Flag-Burning A Waste of A First Amendment Right?

Question

Shouldn't we funnel our efforts toward less censorship? Or toward the right to demonstrate against other causes?

This one's just pointless, and, well - dumb. Anyone agree?

Adam S - That does NOT imply that I am FOR an amendment that would take that right away ... I'm just saying that it's a pointless demonstration ...

When I see someone making a flag-burning demonstration these days -- I wonder:
Why not demonstrate against a greater cause... why waste your time trying to make a symbolic statement using a piece of fabric???

Why not demonstrate over something more worth demonstrating over, such as the War in Iraq ... the fact that troops should have been pulled out a long time ago ...anything ...anything but flag burning -- sheesh

But Brian -- you DO make a good point

THANKS Jeffersonian -- someone who understands my argument !

exactly lovnrckets! - muah

Answer 1

Without giving any more thought to anything other than the bold face question, the answer has to be YES. Essentially, you should have the freedom to do it. However, it doesn't really accomplish anything other than giving your country the middle finger. Does it solve the real issues or problems that drove you to that point? Not really.

Back at ya, MACH, MUAH!

Answer 2

I would defend flag-burning as a first amendment freedom, but it seems rather pointless and self-defeating to me. At the very least, that flag symbolizes the right to express one's self, even to the point of being free to destroy the symbol. However, even though it is lawful, it's almost always self-defeating, because most Americans are offended by it and won't give the time of day to those who engage in it. Almost any other method of protest would be more effective in terms of generating sympathy.

Answer 3

It's really a moot point. The Supreme Court has ruled flag burning is protected by the First Amendment.

Unless Congress (and the states) passes a constitutional amendment it will always be protected speech.

Answer 4

No I think anyone has the right to burn a flag if they want. I certainly would not and I do not agree with it either but if someone else wants to that is their property and they have every right to do so. Take away flag burning and then will come freedom of speech,religion,press, thought....etc.

Answer 5

It is not a waste. Debating flag burning as if it were an issue or should be outlawed is a waste. Anyone who expresses a desire to ban flag burning clearly has no idea what this country was founded on.

Answer 6

Is there a limit on how many things we're allowed to do under the protection of the First Amendment?

I would never burn a flag, but you can't pick and choose when it comes to freedom - you either believe it's valuable, or you don't.

Answer 7

Burn as many flags as you like. You are making Walmart and the flag werks in China very happy.

The shock value had long run out.

Answer 8

I agree--100%. Flag-burning is protected speech under the First Ammendment--but is, as you say, pointless and dumb.

And--no matter how much one disagrees with current policy, or whatever, weshould respect our country and its symbols, even when we can't respect or support the government or ouur leaders.

Answer 9

To my knowledge there is no law against burning a flag, provided it belongs to you and not the government. It may be considered disrespectful and unpatriotic.

Answer 10

People that get soo upset at flag burning make me laugh. Burn them all, we'll make more. There's more important things to worry about.