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
“…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
According to Robert T. Schatz and Howard Lavine, "the power of national symbols to rouse impassioned emotion and behavior has been noted by scholars from a variety of disciplines." It is not surprising that those who are passionate about the patriotism that comes along with a display of the American flag would be offended by such a blatantly disrespectful action against the flag. However, just because something is considered offensive does not necessarily mean it should be prohibited by
Reasoning: (Brennan, J.) The majority of the Court, agreed with Johnson and held that flag burning constitutes a form of "symbolic speech" that is protected by the First Amendment. " A law directed at the communicative nature of conduct must, like a law directed at speech itself, be justified by the substantial showing of need that the First Amendment requires." The majority concluded that the Texas law impermissibly discriminated upon viewpoint.
The American flag has such a powerful meaning behind just being a flag. It represents how this democracy country started, and to all of what it has expanded to. Soldiers are trained to always protect this flag because behind the flag is every American citizen they are trained to protect. Texas argued that “the flag is a symbol of nationhood and national unity justice”.(cite) The flag caused such a heavy case because some people don’t considers the flag to be special.
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
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.
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).
The First Amendment in 1989 of Texas was to protect the right from any of protesters to burn the American Flag will probably go to jail for the rest of their lives for any charges or maybe go to court for making a cruel violence. In this purpose, for some people say that if you burn the American Flag a person is against the country that they have rejected on. And some that are against on people who burn the American Flag say that the flag represents the men who died going to war when they were from the United States. It was the freedom of speech.
The Confederate flag was first flown to show the secession of South Carolina from the union. South Carolina seceded from the union on the grounds that tariffs were being passed to the northern states. Even though in the south the flag meant slavery, the Confederate flag does not represent slavery, it represents a setting in time when slavery was acceptable. The confederate flag and the monuments have caused many debates and riots over the past couple of decades between the Confederates, people who believe in the flag and its monuments and the Federalist, people who oppose the flag and the monuments. I do believe that the Confederate flag should be removed because the flag is a part of history when one state refused to cooperate with the union and choose to secede.
The first amendment, Freedom of Expression, gives any American citizen the right to state their beliefs. The Confederate Flag is a southern belief. The flag did not go against the constitution in the Civil War, and it does not now. The government also does not have the right to take away our freedoms. However, some view the flag as a racist symbol.
The flag represents freedom and justice and those who are being oppressed feel as though these certain rights are being taken away and that is why it is okay for someone to kneel during the National Anthem. While many people believe that kneeling during the National Anthem is wrong and is disrespectful to the country’s ideals, what many Americans do not realize is that if they look past their beliefs and try
While the American flag is an important national symbol for many citizens, it should be allowed to be burned as a citizen’s first amendment right because of owned property, freedom of speech, and to burn it for the freedom it stands for. To begin with, flag burning should be protected because of owned property. As long as no one’s life or property is being threatened, burning the flag should not be illegal. As stated in source E “If it is a flag they own, I really don't want to amend the constitution to prosecute someone for foolishly desecrating their own property.” If it is something they own it is their decision what to do with the flag.
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.
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
