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Debate Info

8
15
Yes No
Debate Score:23
Arguments:19
Total Votes:23
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes (7)
 
 No (12)

Debate Creator

TERMINATOR(6780) pic



Should burning the American flag be illegal?

Yes

Side Score: 8
VS.

No

Side Score: 15
coachferni(3) Banned
2 points

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

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.

Side: yes
JesusFreak(174) Disputed
1 point

I think it should be illegal if it is not done in a ceremonial way otherwise if it is done in a ceremonial way it is acceptable.

Side: No
TERMINATOR(6780) Disputed
1 point

Why should ritualism be banned? If the act is not condemned, then why the should ceremonies that go along with it?

Side: No
aveskde(1935) Disputed
1 point

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
brycer2012(1002) Disputed
1 point

If all of those things aren't illegal, then why can't people wear a swastika in school?

Side: yes
Sulith(508) Disputed
1 point

Burning of the American flag is considered a Hate Crime bro.

Just like a white person popping a niggers tires.

Side: yes
coachferni(3) Banned
1 point

Big deal. Maybe you should get a job and not spend all your time on this web site. If I had all the free time I guess I would accumulate that many points too!

Side: No
1 point

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
2 points

If i own a flag, no matter what it represents i should be able to burn it as it is my property. Disrespect towards someone is not illegal, so why should this.

Side: No
2 points

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
1 point

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
brycer2012(1002) Disputed
1 point

The constitution can always be amended. Minorities and women were unable to vote at one time. Should we have just said that because of the constitution we shouldn't make it legal?

Side: yes
zproach(252) Disputed
1 point

Well, sure it can be amended... but we have to look at the constitution we have now to determine whether or not something be a crime.

Side: No
coachferni(3) Banned
1 point

Let me expand on this argument a little bit, should someone against flag burning have the right to stop said burning? Does the constitutional protection of free speech extend to those who are opposed of the flag burning?

Side: No
TERMINATOR(6780) Disputed
1 point

Who are you to expand on my debate? I've 3344 points - you have 2.

Side: No
1 point

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