American Flag Burning

Freedom of Speech: Does Burning The Flag Take it Too Far?
With recent outbursts of civil disobedience in the United States, many Americans have taken sides, particularly liberal or conservative. One of the main issues taking over much of the argument is the freedom of speech. Some believe that it should only go as far as the Constitution says. Some believe that it should be adjusted to current day tribulation. Nevertheless, one precedented issue has taken hold… the burning and desecration of the American Flag. The extent of freedom of speech is very controversial, but should not include the action of desecrating America’s national flag.
Constitutional Meaning
The ultimate decider of the nation is the Constitution, so sequentially, nothing can

Many people have recently started committing the action due to the recent presidential election, in which Donald Trump was victorious. The people believe that burning or stomping on the flag is an example of protest. An additional reason for desecration, is for dislike of the country. Another recent event involves Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. During the national anthem, Kaepernick knelt down in protest. He was supposedly protesting for injustice in the country at the time. Although he has the right not to stand, it was not taken lightly by many fans who chose to boo him during the game. This is, indeed, an example of freedom of speech and/or freedom of expression, but is also taken as great disrespect toward the country. Another example of citizens using their “freedom of speech” happened in 1984 when Gregory Johnson burned an American flag outside the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas. He was arrested and the case was taken to the supreme court where it was titled Texas vs. Johnson. According to Texas v. Johnson, 2009, “The court ruled 5 to 4 that Johnson's act of flag burning constituted expressive conduct protected as free speech under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution” (para. 4). This created a big reaction amongst politicians and a law was passed that made desecrating the flag a federal

The flag does not represent racial injustice or police violence. The white on the flag represents purity of the country’s ideals, the red represents hardiness and valor to keep our country strong, and blue represents perseverance and justice. It is ironic that people unhappy with injustice are burning the flag rather than trying to help improve the injustice that “oppresses” them. There are American soldiers fighting for the country, wearing the flag on their shirt, fighting underneath the waving flag, and even getting sent home in a casket with the flag draped over top. Yet, some citizens have the audacity to step on it because they are “oppressed,” which is a common term used amongst people who will not support or pledge to the flag. One must think about the soldiers who are fighting in other countries and do not have the support of people back home. No matter which way citizens interpret flag desecration, there is no positive way to perceive it. The action is a detriment to the country and citizens should abstain from anything similar to it. Consequences should be placed which would restrict people from doing anything to the flag that would be considered desecration. Mr. Brady, provides the insightful statement that “flag burners are not the problem; the problem is those who distort our Constitution by calling flag burning speech”