Flag Desecration.....should it be outlawed?

[Holden McGroin]

Freedom of speech is the most overused and abused thing in our constitution. If we truly had freedom of speech I would be able to say anything I wanted without worrying about being "PC". If I cant go to work or out in public and say what I want to say without fear of being sued or jailed for being offensive, then burning flags should be in the same category because it is offensive to many people.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

"Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech"

Is there a law Congress made that keeps you PC?  When was the last time someone was jailed for being offensive?

[cav58d]

[Darkish]

When was the last time someone was jailed for being offensive?

This is kinda the crux of the matter - there's no law about being a avacado.

If you really believe that the disrespect is so much that the perpertrator warrants a good kicking, you've crossed the line.

[dmf]

Theres a perfect example of a true fine American who should be tied to a stake and set on fire, along with the rest of her disrespecting bunch. If you live here at least have the common decency to not desecrate the flag, but if you feel that strongly about hating America, I have a good idea, go to ANOTHER COUNTRY!

[Chairboy]

"Irony implosion in progress.  You have 60 seconds to reach minimum safe distance."

[DrDea]

So you're saying burning the flag is like a voodoo doll. If you burn the final 2 stars of the flag, Hawaii and Alaska erupt in flames and disband from the union.

No your not listening.This flag in this case wasnt burned.She was useing it to incite grief in people that were Burying their son.What it SHOULD be is a hate crime.Just for what she did.Not just because she did it to the flag.

[RedTopp]

This is kinda the crux of the matter - there's no law about being a avacado.

If you really believe that the disrespect is so much that the perpertrator warrants a good kicking, you've crossed the line.

You are missing the point. If I go to work tomorrow and offend someone, my job is potentially in jeopardy. Why? My freedom of speech allows me to say what I want right? Naturally common sense plays in because I am not one to be offensive. I have respect. Freedom comes with a heavy price. Multiple thousands of men and women have died to fight for our country, which is symbolized by the flag. Look at the marines who raised the flag under heavy fire, risking death. This is not some trivial thing that is to be taken lightly.
If I am over the line by wanting to beat the crap out of someone who disrespects what I personally have fought for than so be it.

[TwentyFo]

If I go to work tomorrow and offend someone, my job is potentially in jeopardy. Why? My freedom of speech allows me to say what I want right? Naturally common sense plays in because I am not one to be offensive. I have respect.

A lot of freedoms are forfeited as soon as you walk into your office building or wherever you work. I'm sure you signed a document that basically stated "that you would follow company policy, if you do not then you may be terminated." Another example of not being able to express freedom of speech is this forum. When we sign up for this forum we agree to follow the rules, if we do not then we could be banned. What I'm trying to say is that we compromise our freedoms everyday.

Side note: It's funny to see all the 2nd amendment advocates be against 1st amendment privileges.

I despise everything the Phelps family stands for. One thing you have to realize is that they aren't complete idiots. Some of the followers have law degrees and study the limits of the law so they can tight rope it and not get in trouble.

[Holden McGroin]

You are missing the point. If I go to work tomorrow and offend someone, my job is potentially in jeopardy. Why? My freedom of speech allows me to say what I want right? Naturally common sense plays in because I am not one to be offensive. I have respect. Freedom comes with a heavy price. Multiple thousands of men and women have died to fight for our country, which is symbolized by the flag. Look at the marines who raised the flag under heavy fire, risking death. This is not some trivial thing that is to be taken lightly.
If I am over the line by wanting to beat the crap out of someone who disrespects what I personally have fought for than so be it.

Not a problem.  Somebody burns a flag and risks being beaten by an outraged citizen.  Outraged citizen risks being jailed for Assault and Battery.  Flag burner does not risk jailtime, flagburner risks outraging a Marine.  Their is no law against outraging somebody, and that's the way it should be.

[lazs2]

What city in this country can you light something on fire and burn it?

Go ahead.. light your trash from the fast food place on fire in the middle of the street and say it is a freedom of speech thing.   

lazs

[Chairboy]

Lazs, can you give a yes or no answer specifically on whether you think there should be a law that explicitly makes flag desecration illegal?  Let's see just how far your dislike of big government, overlegislation, and respect for the bill of rights go.

[Shuffler]

Some of the followers have law degrees and study the limits of the law so they can tight rope it and not get in trouble.

Having a degree in anything is no sign of intelligence. All it means is they went to school a bit longer. I know several degreed individuals that I would not let watch my dog.

[Airhead]

good point holden.. I will concede it.

Will you concede that if you do something that would offend a reasonable man that it is a cause for an assault?

The "N" word...  burning a flag... both speech by your defenition and both protected.   

I still don't see a physical act as speech but.. no matter to me.   I don't even care if some dufus wants to burn the flag..  I simply hate the hypocracy of anyone who would do so but wants to make the "N" word (for instance) illegal.   

I am all for free speech.. I just don't think most of it's so called advocates really are.

lazs

Freedom of speech is freedom of speech regardless of what the person exercising that right wants to say- even if they use (gasp) the N word.

Obviously if you create a hostile working enviroment by calling some of your co-workers the (gasp) N word you risk losing your job- but hey, we live in a right to work state so you have no right to a job in the first place.

[Shuffler]

Not a problem.  Somebody burns a flag and risks being beaten by an outraged citizen.  Outraged citizen risks being jailed for Assault and Battery.  Flag burner does not risk jailtime, flagburner risks outraging a Marine.  Their is no law against outraging somebody, and that's the way it should be.

Your meaning that if someone came up to your child and showed them pics of beheaded, dismembered bodies covered in flies that your only recourse is to grab your child and leave. Although your child is part of the future of our country, he/she is not the symbol of our country. Symbolism is important enough in this country that the Bald Eagle is protected... by law.

[Chairboy]

Symbolism is important enough in this country that the Bald Eagle is protected... by law.

It's like you're deliberately trying to see how many misinterpretations or falsehoods you can inject into a single subject.  I can't tell if it's innocent ignorance or willful malice. 

The Bald Eagle is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, not because of its symbolism.  If you're getting THIS one wrong along with so much else, it might be time to sit down and do a quick self evaluation.