Yeh or ney? Constitutional ban on it or not? Why yes or no?
~Matt
No. I like freedom.
No. We should not invest so much power in the flag. We should worry more about ideals and less about a banner. We’d end up making flag burning an even more powerful act.
ditto
.
It is a freedom that I would like to see everyone not exercise … out of choice and respect.
I always wonder if the protester’sd actions ever go further than burning the flag? In ohter words, do they actually DO SOMETHING to make the situation better? Or doe they just make the statement that they are “unhappy” by burning the flag?
I think the effects of flag burning are greatly over-exagerrated. Seems like a waste of time.
No - everyone should be able to make a complete fool out of themselves whenever they feel like it. If you have to stoop to burning your own flag whatever you have to say isn’t worth a steaming pile of dog crap to me. There are many other way to get your point across, use one of those.
It’s a stupid way to protest against the Country that gives you those rights, but no, no Constitutional ban. (Because) It does not infringe upon the life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness of others.
Oh I don’t know I’d be all for a constitutional ban on those 4 door Honda Civics with the Cessna wings and 55gal drum mufflers.
~Matt
I will have never had a reason or inkling to burn the flag, unless they pass this stupid amendment.
The flag itself is not important, what it stand for is. Should this amendment pass, alot of what the flag ideally stands for will be lost.
I mean, if we are not free to make a political statement, either verbal or symbolic, regarding our contry, then are we really free?
Nay. Freedom first and always. Althought as otherwise noted my guess is most do it without offering a solution to their argument.
James H. Warner, letter to Washington Post, 11 July 1989
As I stepped out of the aircraft , I looked up and saw the flag. I caught my breath, then, as tears filled my eyes, I saluted it. I never loved my country more than at that moment. . . . I cannot compromise on freedom. It hurts to see the flag burned, but I part company with those who want to punish the flag burners. . . .
I remember one interrogation where I was shown a photograph of some Americans protesting the war by burning a flag. “There,” the officer said. “People in your country protest against your cause. That proves that you are wrong.”
“No,” I said. “That proves I am right. In my country we are not afraid of freedom, even if it means that people disagree with us.” The officer was on his feet in an instant, his face purple with rage. He smashed his fist on the table and screamed at me to shut up. While he was ranting I was astonished to see pain, compounded by fear, in his eyes. I have never forgotten that look, nor have I forgotten the satisfaction I felt at using his tool, the picture of the burning flag against him. . . .
We don’t need to amend the Constitution in order to punish those who burn our flag. They burn the flag because they hate America and they are afraid of freedom. What better way to hurt them than with the subversive idea of freedom? Spread freedom. . . . Don’t be afraid of freedom, it is the best weapon we have.
That’s a fantastic story, and a wonderful reminder against the inherent dangers of strident nationalism.
It’s not a strength to focus so much energy on meaningless symbols like flags and racial/national distinctions, it’s a weakness.
Thanks for a great story.
If the amendment passes the senate I will send a copy of the story to my state representative encouraging her to vote against it.
Added oooppss didn’t see “State” rep. Sorry…
The amendment has already passed the house…I believe. It is headed to the Senate for ratification and then eith 2/3 majority states approval it’s an amendment…or something close to that.
~Matt
This sums up the debate perfectly.
Yeh
Its the “symbol” of our country and should be protected, just like the minority liberal view. 
Its not like you can go out and kill a Bald Eagle under the cloak of “freedom”. Its a “symbol” of the USA and it is protected.
You can’t go out and kill a bald eagle for the same reason you can’t kill a red legged tree frog…it has nothing to do with either of them being symbols of America.
Nice try, but try again.
important difference:
Bald Eagle = Living creature. They have some rights too after all. Also happens to be endangered (Is it still? Not sure). Or do you like killing your neighbors kittens whenever you feel like it?
US Flag = Polyester/cotton cloth. Probably manufactured in Taiwan or other south pacific country. Can be purchased for $5 at your corner convenience store.
I always wondered why it seems to be OK to wear the flag, but not burn it? Most people wearing the flag or designs based therof do so in mostly inappropriate ways. Is there legislation pending for this too?
Thats my view of this situation. The flag is the flag and it should be protected just like other symbols of the USA. Why should you be able to burn it? No I am not talking about a shirt with a flag on it or a head cover with a flag on it but a flag on a poll designed to be flown! Why?
… duh because we feel like it… or …duh because I feel more free when I do it… maybe …duh because we dont like Bush (President Bush that is)…
Drock you obvioulsy have no concept of what freedom means.