Do you agree with the "right" to burn the American flag?

Question

I asked this question last night and received numerous responses. I wanted to get more peoples thoughts.

Arguments?

Answer 1

Yes, but I also agree with a citizen's right to beat such a person senseless, for rudeness. There's just no reason for the government to be involved one way or the other, on that one.

Answer 2

Yes, I absolutely believe in the right to burn the flag. Whether I agree or not with the action (of flag burning), curtailing the right of someone to do so is, in my opinion, counter to just about everything the U.S. represents and is based on. "Speech" (as in, freedom of) is not literal -- it's not just a question of being allowed to express ones opinions through vocal means. Flag burning is protected political speech. Those who disagree with the views expressed by the act of flag burning have every right to express *their* views, too (although, while "speech" is not construed literally, it would not include beating the *** out of someone who burned a flag.)

Answer 3

Sure. Only morons who burn flags think it's going to make a difference in anything. It's just a show of the individual's immaturity.

I can't believe any American, even ranting far left college students, would want to emulate the loonies who do it in the Middle East.

Answer 4

When it's too tattered to be flown, then yes I do agree with it. From what I've learned on the subject, that is one way to burn a flag which is considered acceptable.

Answer 5

Sure COUNTRY GAL, if somebody doesn't want to do things your way, they should just get out of your country?

The day they make burning the flag illegal is the day I'm going to burn one. You can't value a symbol more than what it represents.

Answer 6

Yes. Although I do not agree with the act itself. If the government can stop one form of protest, thay can criminalize other forms as well.

I also agree with the right of nut groups like the KKK, neo-nazis, etc. to have parades and rallies in public, just like any other group, though I don't agree with anything they claim to believe in.

Answer 7

Yes. I find it much more offensive to use the flag for economic purposes - i.e. bumper stickers, t-shirts, things of that nature. It also infuriates me when the American flag is made or assembled anywhere but the United States.

Answer 8

Of course you have that right, it is a valid form of protest and expression. It is certainly disrespectful, but it is protected in the Constitution. And to all the tough guys who say they would beat up that person, or set them on fire: it is a NON-VIOLENT statement. It is a symbolic piece of cloth. If you don't want to respect the rights granted in the Constitution of the USA, then YOU move out.

Answer 9

Yes, it is a valid form of expression.

Also a valid form of expression should be me setting a flag-burning individual on fire by stuffing that burning flag up his keister.

Answer 10

The practitioner of such a right should prepare themselves for another American right: a counter demonstration.

Perhaps a bottle fast-balled in the general direction would provide for a balanced debate.

Answer 11

I personally would want to know why they would want to?

I wouldn't do that even tho I don't salute it or anything which basically amounts to a form of worship, I think it is pretty myself, it has stars, red, white and blue colors. I think alot of the flags of other countries are pretty too.

what is not pretty is what is done in the name of these flags however. murder rape pillage etc.

I wouldn't however condemn another for it but I would be curious to as their reasons. I also wouldn't want to be a close friend of that one. I wouldn't want any of their negative attitudes to rub off on me. .

RRRR