Burn US flags in american territory? (illegal, desecration, government, states) - Great Debates - City-Data Forum

RussianSky · 09-23-2009, 04:39 PM

Is it legal or not?
Cause many patriots do it.

B4U · 09-23-2009, 05:00 PM

Here's a short answer from Wikipedia:

The flag of the United States is sometimes symbolically burnt, often in protest of the policies of the American government, both within the country and abroad. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that, due to the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, it is unconstitutional for a government (whether federal, state, or municipality) to prohibit the desecration of a flag, due to its status as "symbolic speech."

Bydand · 09-23-2009, 05:16 PM

It is legal to burn the US flag anywhere in the US. You might get your butt kicked by a vet or other citizen (and rightly so) doing it though, depending on your location.

Great thing about that flag. Under it you can do a lot of things that the majority of the population disagrees with, might even outright hate; but understands your right to do so because of what it stands for. It also gives them the right to protest your actions.

GloryB · 09-23-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussianSky

Cause many patriots do it.

Not any patriots I know.

toosie · 09-23-2009, 05:28 PM

Burning is an appropriate method of disposing of an American flag also - not as a protest. So yes, it is legal.

B4U · 09-23-2009, 05:37 PM

Yup. I have one to bring to VFW. But I'll wait closer to Veteran's Day to turn it in.
They do them on those nat'l days.

Granny Sue · 09-23-2009, 07:01 PM

If they are burn correctly and respectfully...then it's for the best.

Cowards burn them in protest.

alicejb · 09-23-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bydand

It is legal to burn the US flag anywhere in the US. You might get your butt kicked by a vet or other citizen (and rightly so) doing it though, depending on your location.

This. I definitely feel strongly about.

fuzzymystic · 09-23-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussianSky

Is it legal or not?
Cause many patriots do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GloryB

Not any patriots I know.

Maybe he/she doesn't mean American patriots?

tet tea · 09-24-2009, 10:48 PM

When the Stars and Stripes has become a little worn from being so proudly flown, we take it and have it burned with a ceremony that is befitting of such a national treasure.

It is not illegal.