Do you think burning the American flag should be made illegal?

Question

Ever since this country was established, there had been contreversial debates on whether burning the flag should be made illegal.

Technically, this act and people performing it are protected under the First Amendment in the US Constitution. However, many have argued that this should be changed and made illegal.

What do you think? Basic rights? Disrespect?

Answer 1

It is disrespectful. That's the point in burning it right?

However, it is an expression... And that is a guaranteed right that the flag represents.

Burning it just makes you hypocritical - but being hypocritical is everyone's right.

Answer 2

This really isn't even much of an issue anymore. The only people these days who would argue for a "flag desecration amendment" are some uneducated ultra-conservative rednecks and various veterans groups, but they are few in number and their influence on the government is minimal. I can't blame the latter too much since they put their lives on the line for what the flag stands for, but the former aren't taken seriously at all. Many states actually still do have antiquated laws on the books that make improper use of a flag illegal, but since those were overturned by at least 2 Supreme Court decisions they're not being enforced anymore and there's no danger that they will be revived.

Answer 3

It's one of those things that if you passed a law, more people would burn flags, not less. The fact is that flag burning incidents are few and far between and best ignored (society can always ostracize the flag burner). From a more philosophical point of view, the importance of the flag has to do with what it stands for, and not the actual fabric it's made out of. I think it's particularly silly when politicians grandstand about this issue and talk about even amending the Consitution.

Answer 4

I think you should have to get a permit for it. I support free speech. However, there is a time and a place for everything. A speech belongs behind a podium, in a lecture hall or on a radio or TV. Permits are required. Sometimes someone wants to stand up and say "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore." maybe they want to burn the Flag. I believe they should have to get a permit and go to a designated area to light it and and see it be lit and state why they are lighting it. I believe the permit should Always be granted. If a per mit peramiter is broken ie, the flag was lit and thrown in a politicians limo window THEN there is a criminal offense. It is a safety measure no more. Do I want to see it burned? Hell no. Do I want to take that expression away from someone else? Double Hell No.

Answer 5

I think we have enough laws on the books. Now, if we could just get the President and Pals to follow them, we'd be okay.

I don't think those people who burn flags command too much respect, but I am not in favor of giving them the importance of a law. In fact, if I am not mistaken, the correct way to dispose of a flag is to burn it. I am not sure of this, but it seems I read it somewhere. One can't just toss it in the trash.

We have a seemingly endless War, 12 million illegal immigrants, hungry children, jobless people, underpaid people, nonexistent environmental policies, exorbitant medical costs, uninsured citizens, the homeless, people with rotting teeth and no money for dentists, the Elderly trying to exist on SS, and many, many other problems.

I would say that making a law against flag-burning should rank at about Number 50,000 in order of importance on the list of things we should do.

Answer 6

To be disrespectful is a basic right if you believe in the First Ammendment. It's showing the government their action is disrespectful of this country's freedoms and basic rights.

If a country's flag is so sacred, there should be only one version and remain locked in a vault with only artistic impressions available. It's a symbol that has been duplicated billions of times over by now.

The problem with this country is that we whole-heartedly believe that in order to protect one community or person's freedoms we have to take another's.

Answer 7

If you outlaw burning the american flag, you should outlaw burning any country's flag. The flag is a piece of cloth that represents what a country stands for, but it's just a piece of cloth. Freedom of speech / expression is a right we cannot afford to give up, no matter the circumstances.

Answer 8

Basic rights trump disrespect, any day of the week. If they want to burn the flag, let them. It tends to label a person an extremist when this happens, and it really doen't hurt anyone. If anything, it scares other people away from the cause.

Answer 9

Oddly, the only way to dispose of an American flag is to burn it, respectfully.

Personally, I believe that burning a flag in protest is an extension of free speech. Also, included in that free speech is the right to express yourself through art, even if that means smearing any flag with excrement.

Answer 10

If somebody wants to burn an American flag, they should move to a different country. if they don't like this country they should move to a country they like better. Then see what happens if they burn the flag of their new country. This country has it's problems, but at least we are allwed a voice in our government.