Should it be legal to burn the flag?
82738
I don't like the idea of burning the flag, but the freedom it's supposed to represent, should allow someone to do so if they  want to. After all, what is being destroyed is only a piece of cloth. Making a law which prohibits us from burning the flag does much more damage than the act itself. You lose so much more by taking away people's freedom.\n\nLVprincess - "yea okay we have freedom of expression and speech and all that crap" \n\nIf you think freedom of speech is crap, then maybe your the one who needs to move.
1009831
It has already been decided by the states.\nBack when country was founded, what few states there were ratified the Constitution and the first amendment.\n\nThe Constitution can be revised by an amendment, which is voted for by state Representatives, they represent their states.\n\nshould the bill have gone through the amendment to the Constitution would have to be ratified by the states themselves rather than Representatives.\n\nthere through representation the states or rather the people have spoken.\n\nThe supreme court does its job interpret if a law infringes on the Constitution, and flag burning laws do infringe.\n\n\nI know what your getting at by state by state but the matter is a constitutional first amendment question and laws passed on the state level will eventually reach the courts to be tested against the Constitution...sorry.\n\nThe state has a remedy in the courts, and its own legislative meaning why not legislate that all flags be made from fire proof materials.
1124561
It would really depend on what they charged you with, simple disturbing the peace like just marching would be just a fine. But if you over turn police cars and set them on fire then you would probably get jail time. So my advice is paint up a sign, most likely they would not bother you at all as you are just exercising your right to free speech.
695740
The flag can be flown at half mast if someone dies.  It shouldn't be a problem.
1041414
Yes, definitely. While my ancestors were British I don't think we need the Union Jack on the corner of the Aussie flag any more. \nPersonally I think it would be fine if they just took the Union Jack off and left it as the Southern Cross and Federation star on a blue background....
1013598
I'm telling ya. It gets nuttier and nuttier.\n\nI would consider myself Patriotic, and I love the U.S.A. , and \nto burn the flag because some Piss Ant wants to flaunt his \n"1st Amendment rights"  just cause he can is not only in bad taste, but VERY UN-AMERICAN in my book. \n\nMaybe it's me but every time I see some son-of-gun burning the flag it breaks my heart, I mean I literally feel sick to my stomach over it because if people could walk in the shoes of those young boys and girls who fight each day for our country, putting their own life on the line, losing limbs, and dying for us and our country, well what a shame, and  what a lie we are as a country. \n\nWhen I see people burning the American Flag it's like flipping the bird (giving the finger) to those who have fought in the past and\npresent, and it's a selfish thing to do. \n \nYea, go ahead and rationalize your rights and why you want to burn the flag, hide behind the 1st Amendment.  Tell our troops why you want to do it, but I'll tell you something, if you're ever in a \nbind over in some 3rd world country, don't hide behind the flag if you've been burning it at home. \nAs they say in America: What comes around goes around and let me tell ya something, Karma is a bitch.
1102673
unfortunately it is legal but its not right to come to the us and fly another flag !
316605
no it isnt its just like burning our own flag. there are many mexicans who arent aliens and shouldent have their flag burnt.
210806
If this were true, it would be a scandal.  However, I doubt it is true.\n\nPlease could you support your assertion that "Local government in England are banning" the English flag with a reference to a media article, so I can follow this up?\n\nOne further minor point - if local government did ban the flying of the English flag, Tony Blair would hardly be the person responsible, since he is the Prime Minister and does not have a vote in local government decisions.\n\nAnother minor point - is it actually possible that local government (by which you presumably mean a district or county council) would have the power to pass a law like this?  They can't legislate against basic liberties.
1020939
YES DEFINATELY !! COME ON ENGLAND !! I think EVERYONE should fly a flag from their home and cars etc... I have got my home dressed up with flags flying out and my car is covered too ! I shall be watching and praying on Saturday. Fingers Crossed !! x
1022057
I really think this free speech thing is going too far ... if it's OK to desecreate a flag, then  it's OK to spit on the graves of those who died for our right to fly that flag ... and of course it'll be OK to tag government buildings ... and on and on ... a bit of common sense and common decency wouldn't go astray ... there are many things in the Constitution that aren't spelled out ... I doubt very much if the founding fathers ever thought that the question of burning the flag of their new country by its own citizens would ever arise!  You can't write down everything in a constitution, but think some things should be self evident!
1048921
You can burn flags, bible, books, anything you want really, as long as it belongs to you and doesn't pose threat to people or objects near the flame.\n\nAs far as Korans go? Go ahead and burn one and just wait for the Islamofascists to rape your daughter to teach you a lesson about respect for the "peaceful religion"
1124793
it should only be burned if it touches the ground... our flag represents everything our country stands for, everything our soldiers have ever fought for, and should be held in the highest respect...free speech  has nothing to do with desecrating and disrespecting  a  symbol of our country and way of life,    just like it has nothing to do with yelling "fire" in a crowded theater when there is no fire....  there are plenty of other ways to get your  point across/ express your views with out doing that......  if you hate this country enough to burn her flag... perhaps you are living in the wrong country...
351055
great question. almost as much a catch 22 question as "flag burning"  but it has considerable merit. i think knowledge is a necessary precursor to such a great responsibility. i strongly lean towards YES.
163074
i think its been taken to the extreme..\n\nby law, we are not allowed to yell *fire* in a crowded public area. common sense would deduct, all statements that could incite riot or fear should be illegal.\n\nexamples..\n\n"Im going to kill,blow-up,destry,murder, some person,body,child,building--etc." \nshould be illegal.Unfortunately it took 911 to get laws changed about *free speech*.\n\nnow, we argue over merry christmas,holidays..etc. When i was a child, we were just happy if someone wished us a *happy--* whatever..because at least the thought was with good intent.
733190
Klan burning the cross. Frankly I don't care much anymore if someone burns the American flag. With the way I feel, I might give them a lighter.
1110842
The belief in racism is not illegal as this would violate the constitution. However, many racist acts are illegal.