4freedoms
Freedom and Responsibility
Latest blog comments- Comment on Abortion by Caitlin
- Comment on Freedom Blog Open and Ready by Sofi
- Comment on Communism vs. Capitalism by Sofi
- Comment on Whats Better, being a vegetarian and wearing fur, or eating meat and not wearing fur? by Sofi
- Comment on Gay Rights; by Sofi
- Comment on Gay Rights; by Mrs. Beaudet
- Comment on Gay Rights; by Erika
- Comment on Whats Better, being a vegetarian and wearing fur, or eating meat and not wearing fur? by Erika
- Comment on Gay Rights; by Alex Thompson
- Comment on Presidential Race of 2008 by Sofi
April 17th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Let’s get this debate started!
Mr. C
April 28th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I think that it should be legal to burn the American flag for a few reasons. Mainly because I believe the American flag is only a materialistic symbol, and by burning it the freedom that it represents is not taken away. Just because all that’s left of the flag is a pile of ashes doesn’t mean its purpose is gone. The second reason why I think it should be legal to burn the American Flag is because by preventing the legal burning of the flag, the government is violating our constitutional rights. The first Amendment states, “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.” Burning the flag is a demonstration of free speech. Congress can’t make laws that violate OUR Bill of Rights; therefore, I believe that burning the flag should be legal, although I’m not sure it would be a good idea to burn the flag on the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C. (There isn’t any protection to those who choose to burn the flag, so if a riot breaks out…so be it) Advice to those who consider burning the flag: Do it in good taste( or try to be smart when and where you decide to burn the flag.)
April 30th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Yes, I do believe it should be legal to burn the American flag. We are allowed to burn other countries flags, so why hold ourselves higher than other people? If the person burning the flag owns it then their is nothing we can do about it. The flag is just a piece of cloth that is in every country, so what is the big deal about? Some people hate that the American flag is getting burned and others who have it burned go to jail, I have no disagreement with that.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I think it should be legal to burn the American flag because of free speech. Burning the American flag is basically voicing your hate or anger against America. In this country it is legal to hate almost everything, so why shouldn’t it be legal to hate the country that has screwed up so much [America}. The United States has messed up a lot and even ruined some countries, so it’s human nature to be angry. Whether burning the flag, or holding a protest people should be able to show their emotions. It’s legal to drop bombs in others countries but it’s not legal to burn a piece of canvas on a wooden stick? I think it’s a stupid thing to worry about or make illegal. Its not a big deal if someone wants to burn a flag, and it doesn’t harm the United States is any way if they do. If you think about it, it’s just a flag. Every state and country has one, it’s not like it’s that significant. The person who would burn the flag even bought it, so it’s their property to do whatever they want with. Also, by banning burning the flag who knows what they will ban next?
April 30th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Oh, I don’t think it’s just voicing your hate or anger of America, it’s voicing something larger! The statement is that the people of the US are finally going to take a stand. That’s what the US Government (Lord help them:-P) are afraid of!
But besides taking away free speech, what about the whole message of the flag? I mean come on! I support burning the flag, I don’t think I’d do it, but the flag does send out a message. Some of my family have served in the military and a flag is a symbol honoring them. But, it’s a gesture really, and I guess, thinking about it, the flag is a gift itself. But it’s kind of pointless. The troops get support from the citizens of the United States. I think that we should have respect for the flag, but there really can’t be a law protecting it. I would hope that most Americans have enough courteousy to respect the symbol. But who am I kidding? The US is made up of mostly arrogant, conceited, ignorant, narrow-minded people. How can they have respect?
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:44 am
I think it should be legal to burn the American Flag for a lot of reasons. The first reason being that burning the flag would be considered freedom of speech or freedom of opinion. Burning the American flag isn’t physically hurting anybody, or endangering anybody so why should it be illegal? If someone wants to go out and buy a flag then burn it it’s okay with me. Would you rather see a flag that’s on the ground and ripped up or someone burning a flag? When a flag is on the ground and ripped up it symbols that the person that owns it doesn’t care about it. When someone is burning the flag I would think that they are angry at their country for something or they don’t now how to control themselves and all they can do to fell better is take it out on a flag. I would much rather see someone that has problems and feels bad about themselves that is burning a flag then someone who doesn’t care and keeps their flag on the ground and lets it get ripped up.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:53 am
Miles, either way you’re showing disrespect to the flag. Both are intentional, and both can be offensive. My point is that either way whatever you do to the flag can be disrespectful. Either way it can be offensive, and either way you’re making a statement.
So technically, by burning a flag it COULD cause a riot. A flag on the ground is supposed to be disposed of.
” I would much rather see someone that has problems and feels bad about themselves that is burning a flag then someone who doesn’t care and keeps their flag on the ground and lets it get ripped up.”
WHAAAATTTT??? DO YOU MEAN BY THAT^^^
problems? What if I were to burn the flag? I’d have problems?
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:04 am
i was wrong when i said that only people with problems burn the american flag and my opinion has changed since i wrote my opinion last month and im god erika dont debate me
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:55 am
RIGHTT MILES; you out of anyone are God. Bow down and praise you. AMEN!
and I appreciate how you admitted you were wrong. Thanks ^-^
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I think that it should be legal to burn the American flag. It’s your own opinion of the United States if that is the reason for harming the flag. It is completely against our constitutional rights for the government to not allow the people to burn the American flag. When a person burns an American flag, it is simply an act of free speech. Anyone who is against burning the flag is against people speaking their mind. I for one can’t believe that some of the people that think its horrible to burn a flag, don’t mind our country going to war and killing and dropping bombs on other countries that have so much less than us. People that are burning the flags aren’t causeing anyone any harm or pain, sure they may be going against what other people believe, but thats THEIR opinion. I suggest that anyone who burns a flag should do so in a private place or at least make sure that there aren’t alot of people around; just incase the majority of the people disagree with what your doing and decide to take action against you. (it may start a riot or an ambush.)
May 5th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Well Alexis, burning a flag could cause pain to those who recognize the patriotic symbol it stands for. Let’s say your family serves in the military. The flag honors them, right? Well, isn’t it disrespectful for someone to burn it? Can’t they find some other outlet to express their anger to the USA? I mean, I think burning the flag should be legal, but I think there is a lot more then just because it can’t hurt someone that makes it legal. Free Speech is our right, but I think that it can get a little messy.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:38 am
You’re right Erika, it can cause emotional pain to anyone that supports not burning the flag, I was wrong to say that it DOESN’T hurt anyone. There are many other ways to show how you feel about the country other than burning the flag of course. (=
May 5th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I agree that the flag is unique in American life; however, it should not be protected from desecration. If an individual wants to make such a bold statement about our country, they’d better have a good reason, but otherwise, it falls under the heading of free speech.
I do not believe that there are any “sacred” symbols. I believe that a symbol, however important, or seemingly important it is to people, is just a symbol, and should not be protected by any law phrohibiting desecration of these images. If I were to take a picture of the president, developed it and ripped it in half in front of a crowd of people, would it hurt anybody? Would it endanger anybody’s life? No. Would it offend people? Probably, but that’s not the issue. As Justice Brennan put it, “If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.”
May 5th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Somebody disagree already.
d=
May 5th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I also think it’s ignorant to say that, “The US is made up of mostly arrogant, conceited, ignorant, narrow-minded people.”
May 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Yes, it was ignorant on my part to say that, but in all honesty, the United States is mostly made up of people like that, or at least the people we tend to hear about are arrogant
May 6th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Hahaha.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Flag burning should absolutely be legal. How we can deny someone their rights just because it is not popular to most people. I am in no way encouraging people to burn the flag, but people should not be prosecuted if the do.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:32 am
For the sake of the debate, I’m going to play Devil’s Advocate (as it were):
What if I have a relative/relatives that have died in wars? They died to protect their country, and the American flag represents the life, liberty, and justice they fought to protect for the sake of future generations.
I think the American flag should be protected from desecration because it is a symbol that represents many good men and women’s lives that have been terminated for the sake of protecting a great country.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:23 am
I believe that you should be able to burn the American flag for many reasons. If a certain person decided to burn the flag for whatever reason they have against it I believe that they should have the right to do so. I think that burning the flag is a good example of free speech and your own personal rights. Someone should not have to be punished or incarcerated because of what the individual believes in. I think that this if someone wants to do a certain action or make a statement about a topic, than they should be able to do whatever they like.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I think that it should be illegal to burn the flag because it is the symbol of the united states of america. If you want to burn the flag go to a different country and burn the american flag.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I have two opinions on flag burning. I think that burning the flag should be legal only to a certain extent. If you were to burn the flag you should only do it on your property and ONLY if you have a good reason. But I also think that we should look up to our flag because people are killed every day trying to protect the flag. It’s a symbol of hope and joy the families of people who have family in the army hopping their son or daughter will come home.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I definitely agree with you Kaitlin. If you have a certain personal reason for burning the flag that you should be able to burn it. I also agree with you that it’s also a symbol to many Americans who’s friends and families are serving in our current war. The American flag also represents all the lives and deaths that have tried to protect our country by fighting.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Lets say you have a brother or sister that serves in the military and they got their leg blown of by a land mine and they could not walk. What would you say then, and miles you are not GOD ok you are a human
May 6th, 2008 at 9:49 am
to: “someone”.
what are you referring to? what do you mean by “what would you say then”. please answer.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I do agree with you that it would be disrespectful to people that served in the military. But at the same time other people have the right to burn the flag if they want to.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I think that it should be legal to burn the American flag. If someone wants to burn the flag they should be able to but they should be ready to back it up with their own opinion. This is because they will have a lot of people angry with them. People should be able to burn the flag to express their opinion and because it’s just a piece of cloth with stars and stripes on it. Burning the flag does not take away the meaning of it. If someone wants to burn the American flag they should be able to because it’s one person’s choice to burn the flag and people in this country have the right to free speech. I also believe that people should not be arrested for burning the flag if they burn it on their own property.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I agree with Someone it would be disrespectful to the people in the militar and veterans.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I agree with samantha!
()_()
(”-”)
(”)_(”)
May 6th, 2008 at 10:05 am
to: someone
I have a fmaily member that is currently serving in the war. i understand that people have different beliefs. That’s how our society runs. Everyone is different. If someone wanted to burn the flag because they felt like it, I wouldn’t be mad at the person for what they believe in. I would probably be sad that the person who burned the flag burned it, but then I would know that that’s what the person believes in.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I do see what people mean when they say that it should be legal but I just find it very disrespectful to burn it I mean it basically says that you hate America and if you feel that way than why live here I mean you have all these freedoms but yet you want to say that it should be disrespected it such a way that is unbelievable
May 6th, 2008 at 10:10 am
It just seems like a punch in the face to me
May 6th, 2008 at 10:29 am
CHAD THERE AREN’T ANY LAWS PROTECTING OTHER COUNTRIES’ FLAGS. WE CAN BURN THEIRS!!! SO WHAT MAKES THAT RIGHT?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I think it should be legal to burn the American flag because of the first amendment. Burning a flag demonstrates how you feel about the country and is a form of free speech. People have the freedom to speak their minds so they should be able to do it in whatever manner they please.
I do think flag-burning is extremely disrespectful, and I don’t necessarily agree with it. But just because most people disagree with it, they can’t outlaw it. That’s like saying just because I don’t like banana yogurt, we should make it illegal. (I recognize that yogurt and respect for America are on completely different levels, but you get the idea.)
May 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Brian, I see where you’re coming from, but I’m pretty sure that most people on this blog that say it should be legal to burn the flag aren’t saying it because they think the flag and the United States should be disrespected purposely. Also, people that burn the flags don’t necessarily mean that they hate the country. For those that burn the flag that DO hate the country; maybe they have to continue living in this country because they don’t have enough money to move to a different one.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
hey they have money to live here then they have enough to move at least to canada or mexico
May 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
just a tank full of gas then leave
May 6th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
BRIAN.
That’s not exactly true. They could be a home less person that takes a flag from outside of a building, and light it with some dried up leaves, grass and a match. It’s simple, just think about it.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Also Brian, you can’t just go to Canada or Mexico on a full tank of gas. You have to pay tolls and you have to have a passport to go to a different country.
you would have to pay for:
passport
gas
tolls
EXPENSIVE STILL.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Brian you need visas, passports, money to get settled, and come on!! Who wouldn’t want to live in a country where you have guaranteed freedom? The most powerful country in the world. Mexico is rich, yet is poor compared to us.
People may have a stable job, why take the risk on losing a job, not being able to afford living arrangements, and adjusting to a new culture?
Alexis is right.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
A home less person could just light papper and stuff like that. and as for tolls there are ways around them.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
WHAT ARE THE WAYS AROUND THEM?!
we need explainations.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Brian, what you are implying is illegal immigration.
GOOD LUCK WITH THAT BUDDY.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Just leave Brian alone, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
It’s complete off-topic.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
To “someone”:
Your comment will probably be deleted, due to the fact that you didn’t sign it.
It’s helpful to know who thinks what in terms of debate.
Anyway, if I had a brother or sister that went to war and got injured in some horrific way, I’d still say it should be legal to burn the American flag.
I’m saying that a personal experience doesn’t much to do with the fact that OTHER PEOPLE, yes, other people, may have their own reasons for burning the flag.
Personally, I don’t have any reason to burn the flag. I know I’d be running the risk of getting the crap kicked out of me, for one thing, and also, I don’t feel that passionate a hatred for the US. Yeah, we’re up shit creek without a paddle, but I don’t feel like I need to burn something to make it better.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Sofi’s right, I hope you don’t think that by stating your name the people that disagree with you are going to attack you in person. They may say something, but they won’t tear you apart.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Mmm, mostdef.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I think you should be able to burn the American flag. Sure it’s disrespecting what America stand for, but would you rather have someone burn the American flag or attack us with bombs? I would have to say burning the flag is a better situation. If the person doesn’t have enough power to attack us with bombs then they could send bomb threats, either way it’s scary to think about. For example, if someone from Iraq burned the American flag I wouldn’t blame them. They have a right to be angry with America.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Ashley, you’ve made several good points.
Keep it up
May 7th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I think it is wrong to burn the flag because it stands for America in the United States. And I think you wouldn’t linke it if I burned the Flage the you think it is important. o.K
May 7th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Yeah, Erika is Right , The flag does stand for Patriotic Symbols and it will cause pain to those who belief in it.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:02 am
What if the flag isn’t important to them? Huh?
May 7th, 2008 at 11:04 am
@Safiyo:
“If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.”
- Justice Brennan.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:11 am
@Safiyo:
The people defending the First Amendment aren’t necessarily concerned if it causes pain to people that believe in it.
If it falls under your Constitutional rights, it should be legal.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I dont think we should burn the flag because if we burn the flag we can burn martin luther kings picture malcom x 2pac
May 8th, 2008 at 10:45 am
i would rather have people bomb us because the flag represents freedom and if you burn it your saying i should be getting whipped. Becaause without that flag there goes out freedom
May 8th, 2008 at 10:58 am
dont burn the flag its a symbol of the united states
May 8th, 2008 at 11:05 am
The flag is a symbol, but what does it really mean?
Soldiers would still go fight for our country if the flag was different
And America would be the same place if our colors were different
I don’t think it represents that much personally
May 8th, 2008 at 11:24 am
@Demitrius:
YOU’D RATHER US BE BOMBED?
Are you out of your MIND?
I’m not even going to go INTO that.
I just hope you realize what you’re saying about protecting the flag is very questionable, and I’ve noticed that the majority of your comments have to do with race.
Why?
May 8th, 2008 at 11:24 am
May 8th, 2008 at 11:34 am
First of all Dimetrius
Malcom X and Martin Luther King are PEOPLE
they are not a piece of canvas stapled onto a stick.
And i agree with Sofi on this one,
you would rather be bombed than have one flag burned?
wow.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:40 am
well race is a big part of our culture im saying that the flag represents freedom and you want to burn it i dont get u people
TELLL UM
May 8th, 2008 at 11:42 am
The chance of that is 1,000,000 to 1.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:51 am
first of all you spelled my name and second the constitution has been there it was just never effective. It is not just cloth either you wouldn’t understand.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I know that the flag represents freedom to a lot of people…..BUT that doesn’t mean that it can’t be burned. The people who try to protect the flag because they think it represents freedom will just have to suck it up. It really isn’t hurting anyone, and those people who do think the flag represents freedom and not just a peice of clothe should show that by keeping there own flag up. Personaly I wouldn’t burn the flag but it is not up to me whether the flag should be burned or not. It is in the constatution under free speech.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:52 am
@Chad&Brain
First of all look at the other views of this issue. Okay you say burning the flag is showing disrespect and hatred towards the United States and that the flag should be protected. DO YOU NOT HAVE YOUR EYES OPEN? Do you not see what the United States has done to other people’s countries flags and sacred onjects? If you think the flag is sacred and it should not be burned,then okay. Though if someone is burning the american flag it could be out of anger it could that MAYBE the U.S burned something that is sacred to them. Then I don’t see any problem with that.=]
May 8th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Sorry about that.
but, why wouldn’t I undertand?
I live in America too, don’t I?
May 8th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Kaitling the piece of cloth as you call has a meaning. You are burning it on the American grounds and it is desrespectful to the American people and people who fought to secure this country.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
@Francis:
WHO CARES?
People that legalize things like this don’t put a second of thought into whether it’s DISRESPECTFUL.
What we want to know is: is it LEGAL?
If it falls under the First Amendment, yet we still feel the need to outlaw is on ground that it is DISRESPECTFUL, then what Demitrius says IS true: “the constitution has been there it was just never effective”.
Legalize!
May 8th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Francis
Let’s say that you find that you find eating pizza disrespectful. Would you want that to be illegal too?
May 8th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I thought we got over this and decided that Flag Burning should be legal because its expressing how you feel without causing a riot???
HMMM? Francis I thought you moved on.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Hahahaahaa Barry!
I absolutely love your post :]
May 12th, 2008 at 11:38 am
There is basically no more argument here.
It has dwindled to the extent that we are almost all in agreement.
This debate is over.
COURT ADJOURNED.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am
uuu no i disagree
May 15th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Demetrius
Why would you disagree that the debate is pretty much over?
May 15th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Barry,
Demetrius is just saying that.
He’s not serious because if he was, he would have posted something else to disagree with everyone.