In today's lecture on prior restraints and strict scrutiny, we turned our attention to flag burning.
As you know, this is a highly controversial way to express displeasure with a government or country. Depending on your point of view, it could be the most tasteless and disrespectful form of expression, or the most powerful way to convey deep anger.
Check out this Associated Press news story about a flag burning at Occupy Oakland over the weekend. It provides some history, and even makes references to what we talked about in class (how cool is that?). Click here to read the story.
After you have read the story, return here and post a comment if you'd like, reflecting on flag burning. You may choose to agree or disagree with the Supreme Court decisions, but just a reminder that reasonable people can disagree on this and other controversial issues. Or, you may choose to comment specifically on what happened in Oakland, or what's going on in general with the Occupy movement.
54 comments:
Morgan Wallace- T/H 12:30 Media Law: I mean, I see how people can be upset with the government and such, but here in America we have it A LOT better than many other countries, and I feel like burning the flag shows they are unappreciative. Think of it like this: our government takes care of us and makes sure were safe and protected, yet sometimes we don't see eye to eye. A mother makes sure her children are cared for and protected, yet when she and her children don't see eye to eye, the child doesn't go burn something symbolic that represents something to the mother. That is how I see it
Stevie G.
Media Law T-Th 12:30-1:50
I know that freedom of speech is protected under the 1st amendment. Technically, burning the flag is not illegal but I think it is extremely offensive. I think there are other ways for the protesters to express their anger. Like the Marine, Sean Palmer, said, “I think they should’ve hung it upside down, because that’s the international call for distress.” Palmer’s idea is a more positive way for protesters to show how upset they are and it doesn’t offend others. Other countries who have extreme hate for the United States burn our flag. Someone who is American and who claims to love their country should not be burning our flag.
January 31, 2012
Media Law T-Th 12:30-1:50
It's a clear abuse of the "Freedom of Expression" that we always here from these people. Just because you CAN burn a flag doesn't mean you should. Really, it's a potential fire hazard as well.
Also the Occupy movement really is gaining no traction because nobody has stepped up to organize something to hurt Wall Street itself, and this just seems to be a hallow movement of people being pissed off without making a real change. /rant.
Alyson Svec
Media Law T/TH 12:30
The American flag represents our independence, nation, and a marking of territory.
Freedom of expression is important in our society, but going this far is disrespectful. Some protesters probably feel like burning the flag is taking the biggest hit to government to express their anger and get attention because it is such an important symbol in America.
In the Occupy protest article, protestor Julion Lewis-Tatman said, "I love this country to death, but burning the flag means nothing to me," he said. "We're burning down the old system and we're starting a new country."
I understand our country is messed up, but costing Oakland $5 million for vandalism in their city, along with numerous police arrests and people getting hurt is not helping society.
Overall, I agree with the Supreme Court rulings and respect these protestors standing up for what they believe in, but there are other ways to take action that may actually make a difference.
Bianca M.
Media Law T-Th 12:30-1:50
I agree-- there are other ways for the protesters to express their anger but its not practical. Like Johnson said he wouldn't stop the flag-burning because the country is based on freedom of speech and expression. I dont agree or disagree with flag burning because I dont think its a matter of right or wrong instead I think the protesters are sending a message to our government. They are exercising their freedom of speech and expression, protected under the 1st amendment. As an American I am not offended, not personally anyway.
While i do agree with the ability to have freedom of expression, I believe flag burning is disrespectful to our country and for those who fought for our freedom.
Concerning the article, i feel protesters could have done other things to get there message across than to burn the flag. I understand to Julion Lewis-Tatman that burning the flag means nothing to him however, too many it does.
Media Law T/Th 12:30
I agree with the woman who emerged from the crowd that the burning of the flag turned what should be a peaceful movement in to one that focused instead on the violence. I honestly feel that in America we have a much better government than anywhere else in the world right now and we are very lucky for that.
The burning of the flag is a disgrace and makes me extremely upset that one feels that way about America and for what the flag itself symbolizes.
T/TH 12:30
We are lucky to be protected by the first amendment, however, I think that flag burning is taking advantage of that freedom we have. Sure, we can all burn flags but we can also rob banks... Do we do it? No we don't, because it's wrong. Personally, I don't like some of the things the government does, but it is trying its best to protect us. There are other ways to express how we feel without burning the symbol of or freedom.
Media Law T/TH 12:30-1:50
I also agree that burning the flag is absolutely disrespectful and should not be done in any case. Some mentioned that they should protest in a more respectable way such as hanging the flag upside down, which is understandable because no one wants their flag burned, but the protesters aren't going to do something that is subtle because then their point wouldn't be heard. People burn the flag to make a point and get the word out about their issue. Burning the flag is obviously a very effective way to get the media’s attention, (made evident by the Oakland protesters) therefore getting their issue out over television or in newspapers so more can join and they can build a bigger alliance.
Olivia Gustin
Media Law T/Th 12:30
I think that burning the flag is a terrible thing to do, considering what it represents and the people who sacrificed their lives for the country. I believe there are other, less offensive ways for a person to convey their anger and opposition toward a political candidate. That being said, I also think the USSC was right in ruling that desecration of the flag is protected by the First Amendment. Had they ruled the other way, I think it would be a slippery slope towards other infringments upon the amendment. So I guess I can see both sides of the story because, while I find flag burning to be inappropriate and disrespectful, I also value the fact that America allows freedom of expression.
Taylor Wood
Media Law T/TH @12:30
I have very mixed feelings about the burning of the flag and it being related to the first amendment. I believe the SC judges made the right decision for the burning of the flag to be protected under the 1st amendment, but only because it proved that the people of America have great power under the amendment.
However, I believe that flag burning is a huge disrespect to the country you live in.
If you hate it here so much, leave!
When the AP article stated that "City Hall was broken into, vandalized and an American flag taken from there burned" by the protesters, it made me not want to take the protesters seriously at all. It made them look very ignorant.
I think that the act of burning the flag is just childish. It's like that annoying kid in class that always has to make himself noticed. It should just be disregarded as a cry for attention. Although it might be disgraceful to burn the flag, it is not something that should make us, even for one second, consider making an amendment to the constitution. If that was the case the whole idea of the First Amendment would be abolished. Let those who have to resort to ridiculous, outlandish acts to get attention continue to do so as they have throughout history and be thankful we live in a country that grants us the right to freedom of speech.
Katie Wright MC Law T&TH @ 12:30
Marisha B. TTH 12:30
The First Amendment does protect our freedom of speech and expression. These people do have the right to burn the flag and (just like cuss words) even though it is not approved or encouraged they possibly thought of it as a stronger way to express how they are feeling to get the message across. As an individual, I do love my country but I do not feel disrespected because of what happened.
Sarah Mann
Media Law T/TH 12:30
I have very mixed feelings about flag burning. I find the visual image of a U.S. flag on fire offensive but I believe it affects every American in different ways and to different degrees. I understand that protesters are trying to make the strongest statement possible. In the case of the Occupy Oakland flag burners, I think they handled the situation very poorly and the statement they were trying to make was overlooked. There is a line between public expression and criminal activity. Could they have at least brought their own flag and burned it, instead of the flag hanging in Oakland City Hall? I believe they are well-deserving of the felony charges they are facing and that their attempt to send a message was unsuccessful.
Michelle Rohmer
Friday,11-1:50 PM
I agree that flag burning is very disrespectful and is abusing the right of freedom of speech. As much as you may not agree with the government, America still provides more rights and freedoms for its people compared to other countries. I feel that there are more appropriate ways to get your point across than burning an American flag. It only makes the person involved look ignorant and uneducated as opposed to conveying their thoughts and feelings through words.
Sean K.
Media Law T-Th 12:30-1:50
I served eight years in the Army and still believe that I'm patriotic. If someone wants to light up a U.S. flag, then let them. Military service members have fought to maintain those freedom of speech rights, even if it seems offensive to some. However, I don't agree that you should steal a U.S. flag from a govt building and burn it. Destruction of public property doesn't stick it the man. It just hurts us taxpayers in the end.
The way I see it is the american flag is a symbol. A symbol of our country, a symbol that we are united, a symbol for the people living in this land of opportunity and freedom. Another symbol in our society includes the cross (and other religious affiliated symbols), that represents a group of people who have a belief. If someone decided to deface the cross for whatever reason, this would most likely upset a whole lot of individuals who feel like that one particular person is disrespecting their a valued symbol for them.
However, if you took the case to court; it is not a problem the justices would see as a threat. Just because it is offensive to some, doesn't mean they can stand in the way for people having the right to express themselves however they want.
I am personally not a religious person, and I happen to have a cross tattooed on my body. Most people who see it assume I may have a close relationship to God, or am a devout person; but actually I just think crosses are pretty. While it may represent something of significant value to some people, I think it's art.
Burning the flag isn't anarchy people, and people choose to act out in different ways. This is how they felt getting a message across would be heard, and guess what--people are paying attention. Weather it hurt or helped his case, whatever--it's not about that, but about protecting the First Amendment.
Claire Courtney
T/Th 12:30
Ethics aside, I believe flag desecration is and should be protected under the 1st amendment. I agree with the statement made by the USSC - when they overturned the conviction in Texas v. Johnson, with a 5-4 vote - that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.
In my opinion, this is the only truly legal way to handle an issue like this.
To see photos of the flag actually on fire stirs a much deeper sentiment within people than just reading or learning about it, including myself; however, that in no way changes my opinion about its legality. Flag burning is a form of symbolic speech.
To be a part of a country with such an influential constitution is a wonderful thing, but it can only remain influential if people regard it objectively, at all times. Personal opinions are of little importance when the 1st amendment is in question.
T/Thu 12:30
Personally, I don't think an individual should be punished for burning the U.S flag. I mean, it's just a flag. I just can't fathom how burning an item can get you in such heat. Yet, dont't get me wrong here. I am in no way advocating flag-burning, and I do feel as though it's very disrespectful. However, if you want to burn the flag (and it's your's, not one that is stolen)then by all means go right ahead. Cause how you feel is your perogative, why should you be punished for expressing yourself?
I understand those who believe burning the flag is highly disrespectful and distasteful, but I believe this should be protected. One of the reasons the First Amendment exists is to give those unhappy with the government the ability and right to express that displeasure — perhaps by burning a flag, maybe by writing a scathing editorial, maybe by organizing a protest.
It used to be incredibly distasteful to write literature disrespecting the King or the Church of England, but those who founded American thought people had the right to do so. I think it's incredibly important that this right is protected, as long as no one is being hurt.
I agree with the USSC and their previous decisions that protect flag burning on First Amendment grounds. It is crucial that symbolic speech is protected, because there are those in this country that would like to legislate media and entertainment content. I may not like some of the things that are protected by the First Amendment, but if those things are not allowed then it is much more likely that my freedoms could be infringed upon at some point in the future.
Debbie H.
I personally think burning a flag or book burning as an immature freedom of expression. I think there is a better way to express yourself. I think the Occupy Wallstreet, Austin, or Oakland whatever is silly and embarrassing. I was unhappy with Bank of America, and their fees so, I closed out my account, and just kept my credit union. I think it went on too long and lost all meaning of what they were trying to accomplish. I think the government were seeing them as a nuisance and they were not accomplishing anything. If you are unhappy with a corporation, do not buy from them. I think word of mouth is powerful. But, hey, that is just my opinion and we are all entitled to our own. Have to love America!!
Debbie H.
Fri. class ITV
I personally think burning a flag or book burning as an immature freedom of expression. I think there is a better way to express yourself. I think the Occupy Wallstreet, Austin, or Oakland whatever is silly and embarrassing. I was unhappy with Bank of America, and their fees so, I closed out my account, and just kept my credit union. I think it went on too long and lost all meaning of what they were trying to accomplish. I think the government were seeing them as a nuisance and they were not accomplishing anything. If you are unhappy with a corporation, do not buy from them. I think word of mouth is powerful. But, hey, that is just my opinion and we are all entitled to our own. Have to love America!!
I think that burning the flag, or books, or anything to demonstrate protest- is the reason why almost every time there is a demonstration- cops with SWAT gear show up.
Sure, it is not against the law. But, really?
Tiffany Lurate T/Th 12:30 Media Law: I respect the Occupy Oakland protester's feelings and passion in the Occupy movement. Their actions though, will not achieve the goal they desire. If they desire change or even to be "heard," flag burning & rock-throwing must stop. This only makes them appear childish & ignorant to the top 1% they want to be heard by. I don't know what the solution is, but they need to create a new & more efficient way of protest-- something the 1% will take seriously and listen to.
Bekah Walker T/Th 12:30
I having mixed feelings on flag burning; I think it should be protected under the First Amendment in case one day it truley is the only effective way for someone to express their cause. However, I can't think of a situation where this might actually be the case.
What happened in Oakland isn't about freedom of expression. It was about breaking into a building, theft, violence, and a group who started a dangerous fire. The right to exercise ones freedom of expression does not give them the right to throw any sense of responsibility out the window.
April Hahn
F 11:00
I think that given how little regard members of our government seem to have for large portions of the population, burning a symbol of their corrupted power is completely justified. I also think that the Supreme Court absolutely made the right decision in saying that burning the flag was protected under the First Amendment, because what speaks louder to a larger audience than fire consuming what should be the symbol of Americans' unity that no longer (if it ever did) exists? I think that glorifying the American flag leads to ignoring the rampant problems that are plaguing the country. We aren't perfect, and sanctifying a symbol of false ideals and unfilled promises is in part allowing those problems to go unfixed.
What about those mini flags on plastic poles people stick in their yards on Independence Day? Can I burn one of those? How about if I throw together a flag out of Elmers and construction paper? Can I take a Bic to that? And where do I need to be, by the way? My back yard? In the street? On the steps of City Hall? Is it cool if I invite friends?
To say that the flag represents American ideals is crazy. Whose ideals? Which portion of the melting pot? And are those the ideals of eighty years ago? Thirty? The ideals since 9/11?
It really is so very tiresome. Hoist it up. Burn it. Sprinkle it with paprika. I'll keep on keepin' on. Because it's fabric.
I understand that the Occupy Oakland protestors were mad and wanted to rebel but really,what did they accomplish by burning the flag? Many people gave their lives for this country to be able to fly that flag and burning it because you disagree with the government on an issue is just a disgrace.
Friday ITV Class - CSton
I agree with the majority of the other comments. Flag burning is disrespectful. Although, I agree and appreciate our freedom of speech and expression under the first amendment, I think that taking it to this extreme can have harsh and undesirable repercussions. When you make statements as bold and questionable as burning the flag, viewers and follower start to pay attention to your actions not your cause.
Casey Willson
TTH 12:30
I don't see how burning the American flag is even that related to what the Occupy movement stands for. To me it seems these people were far more interested in getting attention than creating a movement. I think the Occupy movement deviated from it's initial purpose a while ago and now it's just people trying to make the news. This guy should probably just move somewhere else.
Catherine Arriaza
T-Th 12:30
I agree with some people, it seems like the Occupy protesters just want attention. I don't think these times are like they used to, where there was so much controversy on a certain topic or law which made people act like this. That's my opinion.
Robert Cox
Media Law T/TH 12:30
I understand why we need to protect the First Amendment on a national level. On an individual level, however, I think there are much better and safer ways of protesting your country's actions. I don't understand people who burn flags, and I don't believe I ever will. I believe in being proactive rather than destroying. It feels like a more productive approach to situations. What is the end game of burning a flag other than to incite anger into people that apparently care about the symbol more? There are many other ways to express discontent; even with the flag. Hateful actions only lead to more hate, and I'm just not so sure that is the best way to approach anything.
Protesters of the occupy movement really need to regroup and come up with an articulate way to get their point across. What I’d like to know is what exactly possessed these people to believe that vandalizing and camping in public property, let alone burning our nation’s flag, was an effective way to make a difference. I do understand their frustrations, but these actions do nothing for their cause. Bottom line is that they need to be impeccable with their word and control their urges. It’s not ok for adults to act like toddlers; tantrums should be left to toddlers who have trouble communicating, expressing their feelings, and have little or no problem solving skills. This movement is said to be about ending economic and social inequality, but I can’t figure out how these actions will produce that outcome. Yes they’ve got the attention of the nation, but this isn’t show business, and not all press is good press.
Gabby McGeown ITV Media law
I think it is disrespectful but not illegal. If it didnt hurt anyone I would have to say its their right whether others agree with it or not. People can express their selfs in many ways that are offensive like languauge or disrespectful opinions of other people but it doesnt make it illegal. I do see the perspective of what does this have to do with the occupy movement!? I dont even want to get started on how much I do not like or understand this movement, Can anyone tell me what exactly these people even want??
Chris Eudaily - Honors
The most compelling argument for flag burning is in the majority opinion in Texas v. Johnson, where justice Brennan argues the matter of a double standard. How can we applaud the person who burns the flag out of respect and deem the act honorable, yet condemn the man who burns the flag out of extreme dissatisfaction with his government's policies and label him as unpatriotic. Part of what forced the founding fathers to declare independence was their belief in the right to voice a disagreeable message (criticize the king and English law in the colonies). Justice Brennan: "the government may not prohibit expression simple because it disagrees with its message."
I think it is very disrespectful to burn the American flag. I agree that we all should be allowed to voice our concerns and protest but you do not have to burn the flag to get a point across. So you don't agree with what the government is doing so you burn a something that represents us all not just the government, that doesn't make sense. Just my opinion.
- Jennifer S. (ITV Media Law)
Liza Winkler
T/Th 3:30 Honors
I personally think the Occupy Movement is ridiculous only because it seems like all the protestors want to do is sit around and complain that they are the 99%. Yes, that's how society is. We can't always be the richest around, but we can work and make a better life for ourselves in this great country we live in instead of sleeping in tents on the streets thinking that things will change that way. In America, we have the freedom to make a better life for ourselves if we have the drive to.
I think burning an American flag is extremely disrespectful and not anything I would ever stand for. However, the 1st Amendment protects all ideas even unpopular ones as long as one is not infringing on another person's rights. Although I think what these protesters did is inappropriate, I believe they have the right to do it in this country. How are we able to have the 1st Amendment if we disallow this kind of flag burning but allow ceremonial flag retiring burnings? That is why I believe this is a protected right as long as you aren't inciting a riot to burn public or anyone's private property. The problem is the Oakland protestors were throwing rocks at the police from my understanding and that is when you cross the line of free speech and expression protection.
Kim Castelluccio
Media Law
t/th 12:30
I believe that flag burning is immoral and disrespectful but it is also their right as Americans to be able to express their distaste for the government by doing so.
However, in the Oakland article, the protestors decided to burn a flag found in Oakland City Hall. This flag was the city's property and the protestors had no right (free expression or not) to burn it. I view this as destruction of someone else's property which should be punishable.
Honors TTH 330-450
In Texas v. Johnson, the Supreme Court concluded that flag-burning was a protected form of expression (under the first amendment). In the decision, Justice Brennan affirmed that as a nation we can't "...consecrate the flag by punishing its desecration, for in doing so we dilute the freedom that this cherished emblem represents." I personally agree with this decision. To penalize flag-burning under the concept of veneration of American values would limit our overall right to expression (an imperative American value).
Furthermore, while I agree that flag-burning is a distasteful act, I believe that it is also an important form of expression. The flag symbolizes the American ideals; therefore, it allows for a stronger expression of speech than could otherwise be achieved through other means -- whether oral or written. This is a safe form of expression and, while upsetting for many, it can allow us to pay closer attention to a particular issue -- be it war or unfair economic policies -- that might otherwise not receive the attention it deserves.
Whitney Vick- Media Law TTH 12:30pm
Although the First Amendment allows for freedom of speech, flag burning should not be considered a form of "speech" or "expression". This is an act that may not endanger others at the time, but could result in some form of attack against the government and/or its citizens. It is the government's responsibility to protect its citizens, and catching the hate act (i.e. flag burning) early could possibly prevent future incidents from happening.
Stephanie Daul
Honors T-TH 330-5
Warning, this is strongly opinionated.
Occupy Wall Street at any place at any time is pointless demonstration when it cannot follow safety guidelines and rules put in place for a reason. Protest peacefully, not with idiocracy.
The article states that the four protestors involved in the crime and facing felony charges were charged due to their inability to stay away from the area they were told not to occupy. This seems to be a trend in the Occupy movement, allowing it surface in the news quite often. Although supporters may have a cause (complaining about being the 99%), tarnishing their reputation does not make them effective. Keep it up, Occupy Anywhere.
Post Script: The flag burning was not the cause of the arrest, from what I understand. The Supreme Court does not have an obvious challenge or concern from the public, and I do not have one either.
While I certainly agree that the expression typically associated with the burning of a United States flag is distasteful, irreverent, rude, crude, and unappreciative, I can imagine no worse response than the suppression of such speech on the grounds of its content. Because our country was founded upon the idea of free intellectual exchange, the idea that, if everyone speaks their minds, good ideas will rise to the forefront of our societal consciousness, and bad ideas will fade away, we must be willing to admit the ideas that we hate to our ideological battlefield. If we allow certain ideas that we find distasteful or disturbing to frighten us into the use of censorship, then we are essentially backing ourselves into a corner, saying "this is the way we think, this is the way we are always going to think, and we want to structure our government so that both ours and future generations are unable to think otherwise." I believe such ossification is dangerous, and that the Declaration of Independence agrees. When the Declaration reads that "it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish [the Government that is destructive of the ends of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness], and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness," it gives us permission to dismantle and reconstruct the government in a way that best serves the people. If our laws are designed to create a structural barrier to considering other ideas that may better promote our unalienable rights, then I believe we are doing a disservice to ourselves and to those who fought to give us this opportunity. If we really believe in the strength and solidarity that our flag represents, then we must be willing to allow our ideas to be challenged, and, if we are correct, to rise to the top.
Matt Sheehan T/H 3:30, Honors Free Speech Free Press
Good point, Matt Sheehan. I couldn't agree with you more.
I'm not saying that I necessarily agree with everything about the Occupy movement, or that I think the action of burning the American flag is unoffensive, productive or "the right thing to do". However, I still believe it is a first amendment right that is protected and that the protestors should not have been punished for such an action.
I agree with the USSC. As offensive as it is, flag burning is a legitimate form of protest. However, I do agree that it could be considered a fire hazard especially in a crowded area like the occupy rallies. I think the protests have teetered back and forth over the line between peaceful and violent. Many people have been hurt in these protests. They are crowded and some seem to have to potential to get rowdy. Add fire to that, and it's an increasingly dangerous situation that should be prohibited.
Jenna R.
Media Law
TTh 12:30
I disagree with the Supreme court decision on how we have the right to burn the flag. If they allow this then what are we saying to the men and women that fight for our very freedom that allows us to express ourselves in such a way. If we disagree with our government I think it should be expressed in another way. The flag is a symbol of our freedom and the men and women who fight for this country. Those people are allowed to burn the flag because the men and women that fight for us provide that freedom we hold true to us. I think the flag burning shows that we are not behind our men and women who fight for us. They need our support even if we disagree why we are at war in the first place.
Emma Lacouture
Media Law T/TH 12:30
I agree with the USSC decision to uphold flag burning as a form of symbolic speech protected by the first amendment. It could be potentially offensive to many people, but it doesn't cause anyone actual harm. On a side note, to one person a flag could be an extremely important and symbolic object, but to another it could be just merely a piece of cloth. The protestors obviously meant to burn the flag as an object that is meaningful, but it could be argued that burning a blanket is essentially the same action. I do agree with some of the previous comments that the flag burning wasn't really necessary for what the protestors are actually fighting for and that causing a riot and bringing fire to a highly crowded area was dangerous and uncalled for.
Media Law T-Th 12:30
I agree with the statement that flagburning is "the most tasteless and disrespectful form of expression." I understand that it is your right to free speech, but I believe that doing so is so disrepectful to every person who is presently and has in the past served in the military. I know that the whole point is that you are expressing your discontent with the government and you have the right to do so, but in that act you are disregarding all that these military people have done for you. You aren't just harming the soliders themselves, but also their friends and families that have served the time with them. I don't think that someone who is burning a flag is really thinking past their anger about all the people they are affecting with their act. And if they do acknowledge that, then they are a horrible, heartless person.
F 11:00 - 1:50
Just because we have the right to freely express ourselves doesn't mean we should do it in a way that would potentially harm others. When people get together to protest for a common cause, I think one person taking it upon themselves to protest in a different manner can potentially make outsiders looking in see it as pointless.
Steven Waskow
While I don't enjoy the thought, flag burning is not something I think should be illegal if it is not done to provoke another party into a frenzy and is done in a safe environment. I would consider it protected expression of free speech if it is done safely. So I agree with the USSC decision to uphold the right to burn flags. A flag means different things to different people.
Steven Waskow
T-TH 12:30
I agree that with the USSC. Flag burning may be distasteful and offensive to some people, but it does not directly harm anybody and it is a form of speech, which is protected by the first Amendment. Burning a flag in protest is not nearly as harmful as a physical violent protest.
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