Should burning the American flag be illegal?
Yes
Side Score: 8
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No
Side Score: 15
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As an army veteran and a current high school social studies teacher, I am well aware of our 1st Amendment right of free speech and expression. And I respect and understand the arguments for flag burning. But what is commonly forgotten is that the American Flag is more than just a piece of cloth. It is a symbol of our great country and should be respected as such. Many great americans have fought and died to protect this land and the rights that we all take for granted. It is this great symbol that is draped over the coffins of our fallen heroes and then given as a token of appreciation to the mothers, wives or surviving family members. This "symbol" is most likely framed and hung on a living room wall, placed on a mantel, etc. Every day that the family of the fallen soldier see this flag, they are reminded of their son or daughter. And that he/she is not coming home and will never be seen alive again. In my humble opinion I just believe that some things should just be left alone if for no other reason than respect to the fallen americans "who gave all" so that we could have this discussion in the first place. Side: yes
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Some say it's freedom of speech, but I just think it's pure hatred. No matter how much you dislike America, you shouldn't burn the flag, at least on American soil. If you don't like it as much as you say, then move, no one is stopping you. Hatred isn't illegal. Disrespect isn't illegal. Offensiveness isn't illegal. You need a better reasoned argument. Side: No
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we were given the flag and if we do not like it should we not be able to do away with it burning it is a very respectable way of doing away with it is it not? so why make a big fuss over it we are the owners of it are we not just like we can destroy our land we should be able to destroy our flag! Side: yes
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It depends on why you burn it. For hatred, it would be foolish, but what would burning the flag symbolize, hatred? or perhaps a dislike of nationalism - a very dangerous force, and many, many people would disagree with me, but where religion is scape-goated for humanity's wars, nationalism is another root to the cause of war. Side: No
Well... in Texas V Johnson(1989) flag burning was ruled to be a form of political speech and is thus protected by the first amendment. I find it best to follow the constitution; therefore flag burning must be protected. Thus, flag burning cannot be made illegal if you want to uphold the constitution. Side: No
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the thing your burning is what's giving you your freedom of speech if it werent for the flag you wouldn't have any freedom of speech at all causing you to not only get arested for speeking your mind but we wouldn't even be able to debate without the flag we are nothing Side: No
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