Do you think that those who burn flags are anti-American & unpatriotic?

Gaspode

Yes it is unpatriotic.

One of the basics of rule by law, one that seems to be slipping from people's minds is that without the freedom to do things that we disagree with strongly, like flag burning, the rest of us loose freedom too. One of the prices of liberty is putting up with a lot of ashwholes that we don't like. Only idiots want to react by limiting freedom.

Dedication to protecting the Constitution has been very unpopular the last 6 years in particular.

It is not "just a piece of paper".

pompanopete0

Its more a matter of intent.
Burning it in anger is considered a direct insult to our country and its traditions, tends to achieve the desired affect ,
, anger Americans

Burning it with Honor, usually done by military veterans, is a tradition of respect for those that died defending it.

Forrest C

People have every right to burn a flag in America. To say otherwise goes against the right of freedom of speech, and means that you hate America.

MeanKitty

Yes they are. It is abominable that anyone could burn the symbol of what so many people have fought and died for.
You don't deserve the freedom that you have in this country if you don't appreciate where it came from and how we got it.

whitehairblueeyes

Disposing of unserviceable flags by the proper method is traditional. The people who burn the flag are not doing so to exercise their right to free speech; but in site the people and nation that it represents. There are other ways to exercise your right to free speech that doesn't involve disrespecting the very freedom that people died for to give them the right to do so. The very act of flag burning gives way to anger that overrides anything that needs to be said.

infidel-louie

Yes to both. They're dissin' those who have servred & sacrificed their lives so these morons can get a photo-op. Thay are without honor.

irishman

The flag is the ultimate symbol of America, and all that it represents. So to burn it is anti- American.

Terry

About 4 flag burnings a year occur at demonstrations. This is an extreme, and to many, a distasteful exhibition of free speech. It is also what makes America the greatest country in the world. The fact that we have laws allowing extreme protests shows just how free and vibrant our democracy is.

Protecting popular free speech is easy; no one's going to want to throw you in jail for saying America is great. But protecting UNPOPULAR free speech; now that is a rarity in the Western world. We are so fortunate to have that protection.

Kenny Ray

Protesters who burn old glory are anti-American and pathetic traitors. They should not be allowed to enjoy the freedoms they despise.

The right of dissent is supported by our laws. Burning the flag has been a symbol of dissent and protest since the first flag was made. It will continue to be so. It has nothing to do with patriotism or the lack of it.

And, it is not nearly as bad as what some "patriotic" citizens do with our Standard. Did you know that if you are going to display the Flag outside 24 hours a day that it must be lit up? How's this one - if it isn't lit, it must be removed before sunset and not risen again until dawn. Another - the only time a Flag can be displayed on the outside of an authomobile is on the Presidential Car and the cars of our diplomats overseas....not flying from your radio antenna..... One more? When a Flag becomes tattered and worn, it should be taken down, trifolded and given to a Veterans organization for disposal? Last - of many - when flying a Flag at half-staff, it should first be briskly raised to the top of the flagpole, then slowly brought down to the half-way mark...when lowered, it should again be taken briskly to the top and lowered slowly.

Those who know nothing about Flag protocol shouldn't talk about disrespect of it.

Mercadies2000

Yes it is. I'm sorry but at one time the flag was something we all were proud of, it represented our great country. Have you noticed that they don't do this in other countries?? In a rare protest maybe but not to often. I think this says something about us.

LadyNTex

The American Flag is a symbol of the freedoms which this country was founded. Many American soldiers have served and given their lives to defend what the American Flag stands for. I don't believe burning our countries flag should be freedom of speech. If you have a grip, do something constructive to solve the problem not throw a tantrum and burn the flag because you are unhappy. Burning the flag is disrespectful to our country. If a person does not like life in America then they should exercise the freedom of moving to a place that operates the way they are trying to force the USA to change to. Burning the flag in anti-war protest only gives those countries who dislike us more prower. If you don't like the way things are going VOTE, run for office turn that flag burning energy into something productive.

volleyballchick

No.

I think that when they do this, they are only symbolizing their dissatisfaction with the country's politics. The flag becomes a symbol of the government at that point, not them renouncing their citizenship. They are using symbolizm to get their point across.

I don't agree with doing such a thing, but in limiting that very act, one would limit freedom of speech and freedom of expression, both of which have to be absolute or they will crumble. So one has to allow the idiots their time in the spotlight, too.

unicornfarie1

Yes I think that they are Unpatriotic and against America.
Freedom of speech has nothing to do with burning a flag. Freedom of speech is something that comes out of your mouth not an act that you do. Speech does mean a voice. Burning a flag is an act.

MaryBeth

Yes--burning a flag in good condition is uncalled-for.

Abdul Hassan

Yes. But it's their right to be. You don't HAVE to love your country. You can just live in it.

Burning the flag is the same thing as burning America. Anyone burning the flag is a communist anti-American scumbag.

-Â·~Â¹'JET FUEL GENIUS

Burning flags is a right and if it is anti american and unpatriotic when its the American flag.. If its the flag of Iran or syria and its an american who is starting it on fire... its very patriotic...

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