ipl-logo

Burning Flag Persuasive Essay

585 Words3 Pages

INTRODUCTION Burning the flag is like spitting in the USA’s face. Most people know that, and that’s why when they disagree with the government’s decision, or want to protest, they do said burning. People who have, or will, burn the flag have, or will receive very harsh criticism from other, patriotic, citizens. Now the question is, do they deserve said “harsh criticism”, and should it be illegal to burn the flag? I believe it’s okay to express yourself, no matter the reason. “Yes or no?” Sadly, it’s not a simple “yes or no” question. In some cases, it seems right to burn the flag to symbolize the hatred toward a government’s decision; on the other hand, some of the protesters’ reasons for burning it are terrible and hysterical. The government can’t simply outlaw “flag-burning” due to the first amendment. My Reasons... What do “I” think and what are my reasons for doing so? …show more content…

My reasons are listed below. Some people say that it’s shameful for the government to not do anything about the “flag-burning”, but I believe that if they did do anything, I’d be scared as H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks. The government would have to amend the constitution, with the bill of rights too, to establish a law on “no flag-burning”. If they did that, what’s stopping them establishing a law on free speech, protesting, and other rights included in the first amendment? Losing my right to corrupt politicians is my biggest

Show More
Related
391 Words | 2 Pages

Introductory paragraph “The flag is one of the most recognizable symbol of the United States.”      During the case of Johnson vs. Texas, I believe that Johnson was exercising his rights to free speech but I truly think that he should have done it somewhere else then a public square, someone could have gotten hurt by the flames of the burning flag, or Johnson could have gotten hurt because he was burning the flag around people who love the United States flag. I agree with the fact that Johnson was sentenced to 1 year in jail, he burned the Flag in Texas and in Texas they have a desecration law of violating the flag. From my own point of view, I think Johnson wasn’t exercising his rights to free speech but, he did it in the most absolutely

Read More
484 Words | 2 Pages

“…arguments that a flag that some see as a symbol of support for racism and white supremacy couldn’t remain on the capitol grounds after the Charleston massacre”(Jason Hanna and Ralph Ellis). The quote shows how others think the same. Others see the flag as a sign that the progress we have made is for nothing because others believe in racism and white supremacy. And I believe that it is unacceptable to show the flag that is wrong. It is more than just a piece of cloth it is a symbol of how we cannot agree on anything and there will always be people who are so

Read More
1872 Words | 8 Pages

He reasons the government can outlaw the destruction of one of the nation's symbols because of the flag's "unique status as a symbol of national unity, [which outweighs]" concerns over symbolic speech. There is no question that the American flag "evok[es] emotional expressions of national identification, allegiance, and self-sacrifice" in American citizens. However, while I agree with Stevens that the principles of liberty and equality are principles worth defending and fighting for, I do not agree that the destruction of the flag should be prohibited. Johnson was protesting the country's policies and to convict him for this expression of opinion would be to turn away from the very principles the United States is supposed to represent as was laid out in the First

Read More
670 Words | 3 Pages

It is the Soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag. And whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.” Flag of USA is really important to US soldiers. Not showing respect to US flag may mean disrespecting US Army.

Read More
807 Words | 4 Pages

Johnson's idea on the burning of the flag is that it is a great deal of protest showing the importance of the idea that the citizens are trying to express. Both of these ideas brought about from each side were looked at by the government and the results favored the acceptance of people's ideas. They chose Johnson’s side of the case and gave the idea that this form of protest should be done peacefully and that the people’s ideas should be

Read More
1605 Words | 7 Pages

The majority of the case argued it was protected by the First Amendment. In my opinion, even though it is protected under expressive conduct I feel it is wrong to take it out on a symbol of unity, the American Flag. Put aside the fact that people do it to get their point across but their

Read More
876 Words | 4 Pages

People have been fighting over a flag for far too long. It is cloth stained with dye on a pole. Why does something made with cloth and stitches have to separate a country based on freedom? Some people argue the Confederate flag is an item of racism, and should be banned from being flown. Others believe it is “just culture” and “heritage”, nothing more than an item of history that can be used for learning purposes and historical Reenactments.

Read More
561 Words | 3 Pages

The first amendment protects our everyday life when it come to speaking, Writing, religion, signing a petition,or gathering together for a protest. Congress shall make no law respecting any of these topics. The scenario at hand explained how a group of students set the flag on fire and they all got arrested, the real question is however, are the police within their rights to do so? Overall, there are two sides to the subject, one is, the students are able to burn the flag and should not be punished at all, the other side is that burning the flag infringes upon our rights and it is not allowed. The students are able to burn the flag and they shall not be punished.

Read More
820 Words | 4 Pages

A 5-to-4 decision held that Johnson's burning of a flag was protected expression under the First Amendment and all charges were dropped. In response to this ruling Congress passed the Flag Protection Act Of 1989. “The act states that ‘whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.’ The act does not prohibit any conduct consisting of the disposal of a flag when it has become worn or soiled." (1989).

Read More
622 Words | 3 Pages

"Should you stand for the American flag or should you kneel in protest?" A question Americans have began asking after the recent NFL national anthem kneel protest. I say, you should stand for the flag not only for pride but also what the flag stands for. As well as respect for fellow soldiers and veterans who have for fought for the flag to keep waving; but ironically, the American ideas give the right to do as you please to the flag from kneeling or even burning. Now should you really kneel for the flag in protest?

Read More
573 Words | 3 Pages

Being that the flag has caused a tremendous amount of problems.(http://abcnews.go.com/US/thousands-expected-boston-free-speech-demonstrators-counter-protesters/story?id=49303084) Is the one of the many reasons it should be taken down. If wanted to be raised, it should be raised in the privacy of their own homes. There I too much offense taken because of it. Let’s allow the past to be the past and move forward to the future without those types of

Read More
425 Words | 2 Pages

The American Flag is a symbol of freedom and hope that stands as a representation of our nation’s power. Most importantly, the flag represents the freedom of any individual to express their opinions as they please. For this reason, when the essence of Americans’ independence is threatened by those who feel burning the flag is unconstitutional, this becomes an issue. While flag burning may be offensive to some, it is also others way of communication and self expression. Forbidding an individual of their right takes away all of what the flag stands for.

Read More
723 Words | 3 Pages

In 1984 in the case if Texas vs. Johnson, Gregory Lee Johnson burned a flag outside the Republican National Convention in protest to President Ronald Reagan’s policies in Dallas Texas, declaring it was his right a form of “symbolic speech” under the first Amendment. He was arrested tried and convicted in the Texas court system for violating Texas statue, which states that it was illegal to desecrate the flag. (time.com) Although it seems that justice was served, Mr. Johnson appealed to the Supreme court and won. Shortly after the case was heard and ruled on, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act of 1989, making it a criminal offence to desecrate the American flag.

Read More
595 Words | 3 Pages

The burning of the American flag should not be protected by the First Amendment. Gregory Lee Johnson was convicted of burning the flag in violation of the Texas Law. After a march, he burned the flag in protest during the 1984 Republican National Convention. No one was hurt during this demonstration.

Read More
965 Words | 4 Pages

College, every kids dream when they were little was that they wanted to go to college, but the question is are they ready for it? Many say that we have not been properly educated for the future, but others say we have been taught the proper things we just choose not to learn the material. The problem with this is who is right? there are two theories, but not one of them stands out to be the correct one. This issue has been going around ever since the time they let in more students into the university that didn’t have high English or math skills, they let them in to fill the space.

Read More

More about Burning Flag Persuasive Essay

Related Topics

Open Document