Is flag burning abhorrent?

[furface]

I actually agree with Breyer in his view that free speech needs to protect people saying things that bother other people. However, he's wrong about flag burning. I find the unwillingness to burn the flag abhorrent. The idea that government institutions are somehow sacred is revolting.

It's different with sacred texts like the Quran and the Bible. Paying reverence to these texts enforces the idea that man made institutions are fallible and subject to change. I'm not saying Quran burning should be illegal, just that it's distasteful in a way that flag burning isn't. Paying reverence to religious texts actually enforces the idea of natural rights in my view.


http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/15/US-Breyer-LKL/

In an interview Wednesday on CNN's "Larry King Live," the associate justice compared the act of burning Islam's holy book to setting the American on flag on fire when asked whether the Rev. Terry Jones had the right to carry out the controversial plan.

"We protect expression that we hate," he said. "When you have a country of 300 million different people who think different things, it is helpful. It is helpful to tell everyone, 'You can think what you want.'"

Breyer, who served in the Army, acknowledged that witnessing an American flag being burned during the Vietnam War era triggered "a physical reaction of repulsion" in him. But, he added, free speech applies equally to popular and unpopular statements.

"It's so often I hear people say -- and particularly in college students -- 'Well, that's just so terrible what he's saying.' I say, 'Oh, you think that free speech is only for people who don't say things that are terrible?'" he said.

 

[Bruno]

It means a lot to many people, including those who have fought in wars to protect our freedoms (in their eyes, whether true or not).

I personally believe flag burning should always be allowed in this country.

 

[jmhudak17]

Flag burning is wrong but should be allowed

 

[sratiug]

If flag burning is supposed to be bad, why are Council on Foreign Relations and Federal Reserve heads on TV all the time? It is their entire purpose to end our country.

The pledge of allegiance should be banned, since mindless zombies are dangerous. And we should have several flag burning holidays per year in this country to comemorate a few of the great atrocities committed by our government and people which are too numerous to list here.

 

[Elwar]

It's offensive to me as a Christian...(worshipping the flag that is)

I don't worship false idols.

 

[Humanae Libertas]

I have no problem with others burning flags, as a Christian and as an American.

A flag did or does not give us Freedom. It's just a symbol, nothing more.

 

[lucius]

I actually agree with Breyer in his view that free speech needs to protect people saying things that bother other people. However, he's wrong about flag burning. I find the unwillingness to burn the flag abhorrent. The idea that government institutions are somehow sacred is revolting.

It's different with sacred texts like the Quran and the Bible. Paying reverence to these texts enforces the idea that man made institutions are fallible and subject to change. I'm not saying Quran burning should be illegal, just that it's distasteful in a way that flag burning isn't. Paying reverence to religious texts actually enforces the idea of natural rights in my view.


http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/15/US-Breyer-LKL/

when? I got the wienies...

 

[NMCB3]

Being its the flag of tyranny and empire, I`d burn every damn one of them if I could.

 

[virgil47]

I have no problem with others burning flags, as a Christian and as an American.

A flag did or does not give us Freedom. It's just a symbol, nothing more.

So if the flag burners wished to use crosses as kindling that would be fine with you. I mean as they are both just symbols and all.

 

[lucius]

bs

So if the flag burners wished to use crosses as kindling that would be fine with you. I mean as they are both just symbols and all.

If it will increase the terror...please take my rights away pronto...protect me from the unknown--leviathan...

 

[Dr.3D]

So if the flag burners wished to use crosses as kindling that would be fine with you. I mean as they are both just symbols and all.

They can use crosses or any other kind of wood they wish, wouldn't bother me.

 

[Mini-Me]

The real question is, if someone burns a Koran in a theater, and a counter-demonstrator burns a US Flag, and the KKK shows up and starts burning a cross in the lobby, is it okay to shout "fire?"

 

[Dr.3D]

The real question is, if someone burns a Koran in a theater, and a counter-demonstrator burns a US Flag, and the KKK shows up and starts burning a cross in the lobby, is it okay to shout "fire?"

Best to quietly get out of the theater before yelling fire. Might be easier to avoid the rush.

 

[PatriotOne]

So if the flag burners wished to use crosses as kindling that would be fine with you.

That's the best idea I have heard in a long time!!!!

 

[virgil47]

If it will increase the terror...please take my rights away pronto...protect me from the unknown--leviathan...

Go away I think your mother is calling you.

 

[osan]

So if the flag burners wished to use crosses as kindling that would be fine with you. I mean as they are both just symbols and all.

Fine by me. What's the problem here? Symbols are just that and nothing more.

 

[virgil47]

Fine by me. What's the problem here? Symbols are just that and nothing more.

You are correct! However symbolism is a very large part of human existence. Without symbols humanity would be a directionless mob. All societies since the dawn of time have required symbols to rally to or to defend or to show what that particular society stands for or believes. The wedding ring, the flag, the neighborhood sign, the brand of auto you drive plus a myriad of other items in daily life are symbols. So before you dismiss something as just being a symbol understand that symbolism is a normal part of society. Some symbols mean more to some people than others. If the symbols you hold dear are important to you then don't berate others for having symbols they hold dear to them.

 

[mrsat_98]

Can I wipe my Butt with one ?

 

[wormyguy]

It's a piece of cloth. I personally would not burn a flag, since I find it a juvenile and silly idea, but I have no problem with anyone else exercising their property rights by doing whatever the hell the want with their own flags.

 

[BuddyRey]

I don't really feel strongly either way, because it isn't my flag anymore.