American Flag Burning

         Do you believe that burning an American flag in protest is okay?  Although this subject has been tossed around a lot, there is sturdy proof on why it should not be illegal.  This has been an ongoing debate, put up against the Senate many times.  There are reasons for both sides, but if you take the time to listen to them, you will clearly see why it is not a good idea to make it against the law.  As you may have assumed, I think that flag burning in protest should not be against the law. 

         Flag burning is freedom of speech, and is protected by the First Amendment.  If the Senate has already turned the idea of laws against flag burning down many times before, why don’t people on the other side of this argument quit.  Also, it is non-violent.  U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan said, “Gasoline is $2.35 a gallon, we’re fighting two wars in the Middle East and we’re spending our way into bankruptcy, but for the 15th year in a row the politicians in Washington are focused on changing the Constitution to stop something that almost never happens.” Clearly, it is all right with U.S. officials.

         The flag is just a piece of cloth.  Well, you may say that the patriots in the Revolutionary War fought for the flag and burning it is like destroying their efforts.  If you say that, you are wrong.  They fought for freedom, and the flag is just a symbol of our freedom.  You can’t destroy symbolism, even by burning it. Many people understand that.  In June 2006, a USA Today poll stated that 54% of 484 adults opposed a constitutional amendment for flag burning to be illegal.  That isn’t much, but it is a majority.

         Burning your flag is like saying “something is wrong with our country” and is just a way of showing that you care for change.  It is a patriotic way of questioning the Government.  They will pay attention to this, and will make a change.  It really makes them look bad, not the flag burner.  Veteran, Gary May, who served in the Vietnam Wars said, “I am offended when I see the flag burned or treated disrespectfully. As offensive and painful as this is, I still believe that those dissenting voices need to be heard.” This is an example of showing that the flag burning is necessary.

         Now you know that flag burning really isn’t that bad.  Flag burning is freedom of speech, and the flag is just a symbol of a united country.  Burning it can really help at times.  Even though this may be offensive to some Americans, there shouldn’t be a law against burning the flag in protest. Burning or desecrating public flags or statues is different.  It is against the law, and is known as vandalism.  I hope that you take this and really think about it.