How do you feel about flag burning?

I remember a while back that there were people in other countries that were burning our great American Flag, mainly in protest of American troops being in their countries.

Even today, we have Americans that are so much against governement, that their way of protesting, is to burn the flag. I realize that flag burning is protected by the Constitution, so there is no law against it, however, I feel that any American that burns the American Flag is a coward, and does not deserve to live in this country.

To me, the flag stands for freedom, and it also is a reminder of all of the men and women who have died for our freedoms. I keep an American flag flying in front of my house 24/7, 365 days a year, because I am proud of my country.

So, do you believe it is alright to burn the American flag, or do you feel that maybe the Constitution needs to be changed in order to protect our flag?

The way I look at it, if someone wants to burn the American Flag, I hope they wrap themselves in it before they strike a match.

Unless it is flag treatment protocol, then anyone who burns a flag intentionally should be convicted of treason and ordered to leave the country forever.

without hesitation

I'm probably the sole person to disagree here, but I feel it's a person's free speech right to burn the flag if they so choose.

Flag burning is free speech, and is everyone's right, but what kind of example does flag burning set for other people? What does it really accomplish? DOES it accomplish anything?

All flag burning creates is a fire hazard, really. Perhaps a potential hospital bill for second degree burns. You know how flag burners just love to hold a burning flag. And flags are expensive, last time I checked.

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As for the fire hazard, I think campfires are worse.

As for the rest of it, it's a symbol, and in my opinion a repugnant act. However, I that's what the United States is all about -- protecting freedom. Even though many of us disagree with one type of freedom, it doesn't physically hurt anyone, it's political speech, therefore, it's part of what the United States is all about.

Besides, it's just a symbol. I don't get so wrapped up in symbols.

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What a load of crap. It's a piece of cloth.

And don't give me that anti-patriotic speech, either. No one ever went to war over a piece of cloth. No one ever died to protect a piece of cloth. There is no inherent value in that flag, only in the people and ideas it represents. It's symbolic only, not inherently valuable, so there is really no purpose in getting upset if someone burns it in protest or uses it to make a point. Politicians defile the flag by using it for their own political gain more than any protestor could ever do by lighting it on fire.

Well put.

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The "piece of cloth" remark is not the point. The point is the flag is a symbol of freedom. Many brave men and women died to protect YOUR freedom which that flag you call a "piece of cloth" symbolizes.

I was raised to worship the flag in the same way a deeply religious person worships the Bible, and worship this country as if it was God.

Burning the flag is just as unforgivable as if God was a human being living on the face of the earth, and someone setting fire to him... Would you burn God because he was a "Holy Spirit?"

No. Calling the flag of the United States of America a "just a piece of cloth" is something I find personally offensive.

I was led to think you were a Christian as you're so quick to chastise others about their sinful ways.

To a Christian, such a view would be sinful. Remember the bit about not having false idols?

Also, if you asked one person in the military what they were putting their life on the line for, I seriously doubt that one person would point to the flag, and literally mean that they would die for some dyed cloth. That would be silly.

This country is a concept, an ideal, symbols are nothing more than symbols.

Part of that American ideal is freedom to say, think and do what we want within reason. Texas v. Johnson is pretty clear that flag burning is legal, and certainly not treasonous.

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You are missing the point.

Okay then, what is it?

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You are welcome to find that PERSONALLY offensive. Your offended feelings, however, are irrelevent to a discussion about whether flag burning should be legal. People seem to have forgotten that we legislate on rights in this country, not feelings. People have a right to freedom of speech. Cloth doesn't have a right not to be burned. In fact, inanimate objects have no rights at all, only the people who own them. So, if you burn MY American flag, I might sue you, but you're perfectly welcome to do with yours as you wish (including building some quasi-religious shrine for your idol worship). You have no basis, however, for restricting others' rights to use their own property, including the flag. And trying to claim flag burning should be considered treason? What about all the sports players who have them on their uniforms and drag them through the dirt and mud as they play? They're violating the law (two, actually) by having them on their uniforms. Should they, too, be considered traitors and banished from the country?

It's hardly surprising that you are deeply religious. I'm sure you have similarly strong opinions about why we should legislate your personal religious beliefs, too.

Actually Ernie, my feelings are VERY relevant to the topic. They are the basis of why flag burning is wrong and an act of treason.

And here folks, we have an example of "non sequitur".

"My feelings are the basis flag burning is wrong" -- this is what we call a "non sequitur". In other words, " A statement that does not follow logically from what preceded it." (according to dictionary.com).

Logical reasoning 101.

If these statements are not a non sequitur, he must have a God complex, or be deluded in such a way to think that his feelings are relevant to anyone else on planet Earth.

I'm not being rude, but those are the only two possibilities that come to mind that could make his argument work..

Strange indeed.

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Our country may not always be right, but it is the best, and if your gonna burn MY flag, get the hell out.

You said it. The flag may only be a piece of cloth to some people, but just ask a soldier or a veteran what the flag means to them. Yes, it is just a symbol...a symbol of freedom.

Quoted for truth.
The idea that burning a flag is free speech is ridiculous. Its a shameful act and those who engage in it should have their rear-end introduced to a boot before they are thrown out of the country on said rear-end.
This thread reminded me of this:

It's shameful that so many people are irrationally nationalistic.

Please explain that remark.

My sentiments exactly. Our flag is not just a piece of cloth, it's a reminder of the freedoms that we have. All American's should be proud of Old Glory.

I live in a community that is increasingly becomming more and more Arabic, so I am even more prouder to fly my flag in their faces.