Author Topic: US flag (Read 1965 times)

Frogm4n · « **Reply #45 on:** March 05, 2003, 05:35:25 PM »

thats the reason why we dont have a flag burning rule, because the majority of americans want to have that right even if they dont do it. just like i think we should be allowed to own guns yet i dont own one myself.

AKIron · « **Reply #46 on:** March 05, 2003, 06:15:48 PM »

The constitution has been amended many times, 27 I think. So, are you saying then that the right to burn the flag is constitutional based on the right to freedom of speech? Isn't it illegal to use certain language that would incite a riot?

midnight Target · « **Reply #47 on:** March 05, 2003, 06:33:19 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKIron
The constitution has been amended many times, 27 I think. So, are you saying then that the right to burn the flag is constitutional based on the right to freedom of speech? Isn't it illegal to use certain language that would incite a riot?

You mean language like "Lets riot" ?

Sandman · « **Reply #48 on:** March 06, 2003, 12:04:21 AM »

It's simple...

How do you properly dispose of a flag? You burn it.

The only difference between this and burning it on the courthouse steps is the state of mind of the person doing the burning.

So... if the only difference between the two events is attitude, we're looking at a first amendment issue.

AKIron · « **Reply #49 on:** March 06, 2003, 11:25:08 AM »

How about profanity then. Are you guys aware that it is illegal in most public places? Is this any different?

midnight Target · « **Reply #50 on:** March 06, 2003, 12:02:44 PM »

Political "speech" is protected. The flag is obviously a political symbol.

Nuff said.

AKIron · « **Reply #51 on:** March 06, 2003, 12:05:37 PM »

"Political" speech that is profane isn't protected. Many see the desecration of the United States flag as very profane.

midnight Target · « **Reply #52 on:** March 06, 2003, 03:16:48 PM »

Many think a mosque is profane nowadays, many think communism is profane, many think Clinton was profane. Luckily our rights are protected from what "many think".

slimm50 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 06, 2003, 03:26:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKIron
How about profanity then. Are you guys aware that it is illegal in most public places? Is this any different?

Things like profanity in public places are strictly state/local ordinaces/issues, as provided for in the Constitution. If a state or local municipality wants to allow profanity, it can. So, no, it's not the same.

AKIron · « **Reply #54 on:** March 06, 2003, 06:15:23 PM »

How about if a state delcares it public profanity and outlaws it to publicly desecrate the national symbol?

Nice side step there MT, looks well practiced.

midnight Target · « **Reply #55 on:** March 06, 2003, 06:24:34 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKIron
How about if a state delcares it public profanity and outlaws it to publicly desecrate the national symbol?

Nice side step there MT, looks well practiced.

Not well practiced, but thank you just the same.

A strict interpretation of the 1st Amendment would actually allow a State to restrict free speech, since the 1st only disallows the federal govt from passing such laws. Luckily most States have similar Bills of Rights within their own State Constitutions.

AKIron · « **Reply #56 on:** March 06, 2003, 06:41:02 PM »

Oh well, perhaps there never was any value in national pride anyhow, time (and not much of it) will tell.

Toad · « **Reply #57 on:** March 06, 2003, 08:20:20 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by midnight Target
A strict interpretation of the 1st Amendment would actually allow a State to restrict free speech, since the 1st only disallows the federal govt from passing such laws. Luckily most States have similar Bills of Rights within their own State Constitutions.

Almost exactly like the 2nd!

Sandman · « **Reply #58 on:** March 07, 2003, 01:07:19 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKIron
Oh well, perhaps there never was any value in national pride anyhow, time (and not much of it) will tell.

You must understand that national pride is the reason we don't want any law protecting the flag.

Once respect for the flag is mandated by law, I think few would truly respect it.

I certainly wouldn't. The day they make it illegal to desecrate a flag is the day I wipe my bellybutton with one.

Montezuma · « **Reply #59 on:** March 07, 2003, 01:43:35 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by midnight Target

A strict interpretation of the 1st Amendment would actually allow a State to restrict free speech, since the 1st only disallows the federal govt from passing such laws.

But then the south lost and they added the 14th Amendment, so now states can't do that.