Flag Burning

[Kawamura]

Sorry, didn't see that.

It's still confusing to me. If someone says something that isn't positive about their country, is that still ... hating it?

 

[Tathariel]

No.

 

[Jaijin]

I've noticed this seems to be a very touchy subject, so I thought I would bring it up and see what everyone on bluemoon thinks.

Should flag burning be illegal?

Personally, I believe flag burning is protected under free speech. A flag is a piece of cloth, and a symbol. Nothing more. And symbols only have power if you give it to them. As you can see, I am all about freedom of speech and believe that everyone should be able to express themselves, even if its offensive. I'd rather be offended but totally free than not be offended but told what I can or can't say.

"Recognizing that the right to differ is the centerpiece of our First Amendment freedoms, a government cannot mandate by fiat a feeling of unity in its citizens. Therefore that very same government cannot carve out a symbol of unity and prescribe a set of approved messages to be associated with that symbol . . ." - Texas v. Johnson

No, flag burning should not be illegal for all the reasons you mentioned.

Jai

 

[Ziron The Horny Stallion™]

Burn our flag at your own risk.
http://now.msn.com/abdullah-ismail-pakistani-protester-dies-after-breathing-smoke-from-burning-us-flags