Today we discussed
Civil Disobedience. We discussed two major topics today- the first was whether civil disobedience typically is a successful form of protest and the second topic was whether the constitution should protect the burning of the American Flag. I agree that burning the American Flag in protest should not be punished. Even though, seeing the flag burned would upset me, I think that it would be hypocritical to not allow a person to burn the flag.
If the Flag is a symbol for America, then I think that by banning flag burning we would be banning one of the fundamental rights that we have and may be symbolized in the flag itself. It is freedom of speech (this would fall under symbolic speech.) What do you think about this? Should burning the American Flag be illegal? Could flag burning be considered civil disobedience?
Kelsey
2 comments:
For the sake of arguement, burning the flag is extremely disrespectful and not acceptable in today's world. So many countries have problems with America and our economy is so poor, that stickign together as a nation is vital at the moment. If we find it acceptable to allow the burning of our flag, symbolizing the burning of our nation, why should we expect respect from other nations? We should learn to demand respect from our own people before we think it is appropriate to demand respect from other nations.
Also, the burning of our flag is discourteous to soldiers that put their lives on the line for our nation every day. What provides the incentive to make such a noble sacrifice if the symbol of our nation is expendable enough to be burned? Burning the American flag is not merely the burning of a piece of fabric or a recognizable symbol for our country, but is a representation of our nation, our progress, our stature, and our people.
-Jen
For the sake of freedom of speech/expression, burning the flag should not be illegal. That said, doing so is completely idiotic as it would remove any credibility the cause has. Would you really want the symbol of a burning American flag something you want to have associated with your cause?
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