I Believe In Freedom Of Expression

Yesterday, President-Elect Donald Trump tweeted that he believed that those Americans who burn the nation's flag should be incarcerated or have their citizenship revoked. While I abhor the burning of our nation's flag and believe that it is detrimental to the cause of any American protest movement, I respectfully disagree with Mr. Trump.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the burning of the flag is "expression" protected by the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. Many who have sacrificed for our nation, including my father, fought for these God-given rights. It is the right of our citizens to peacefully protest the actions of our government. If we start to chip away at these freedoms, we disrespect what our founding fathers and the soldiers of the American Revolution sacrificed for.

While I personally find the burning of our flag to be a shameful act, I strongly believe that it is the right of those who choose to protest in this manner.

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laotzu92 · 70-79, M

You are of course correct; and I suspect President-Elect Trump knows it. But one cannot deny the strong revulsion the act causes (except perhaps on some campuses).
The Hampshire College response of removing the flag is reprehensible.
It is worth noting that the Supreme Court decision upholding the right had Justice Scalia in the majority (expressing agreement with you) and Justice John Paul Stevens, an ardent liberal against.
We should also recall that Mrs. Clinton was in favor of anti-flagburning legislation when she was in the senate.

Ukebaby

Hmmm more to you than I thought.

Makemeluvit · 36-40, F

I strongly believe that if we have served in the military and have flags on our mantels that once wrapped the coffins of loved ones then we should be able to pick up our US Army issued M-16 and shoot each flag burner in the face as an expression of our personal protest- we shouldn't create a line somewhere that shouldn't be crossed because then we don't really have the freedom we fought so hard to protect

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RandomUniverse · M

And I commend your ability to articulate those thoughts as well as you have.

Makemeluvit · 36-40, F

I appreciate your thoughts on this as well- and it's refreshing to have a discussion on such a subject- that's my reason for being on this site- to gain insight from others that have viewpoints different then mine

RandomUniverse · M

I am officially declaring this thread closed. Godspeed, and more luck than you need.

Ukebaby

I agree with you and was a military member from a long family line of military members. We all desrve to have the right to protest. Besides that is the respectful way to dispose of a flag if it jas been desicrated in any way.

adshaw · 36-40, M

I agree. It makes more sense to burn those who burn the flag and make a toast to their charred, treacherous carcass.

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