200 Words on The American Flag

The flag does not need constitutional protection. Our republic has survived over two-hundred years without any amendment to ban the desecration of its flag. Burning a flag does not weaken our democracy. I am proud to live in a country which is strong enough to not only withstand, but also tolerate, such insulting, disrespectful acts. Only those who fear such expressions would propose to outlaw it.

The flag is not a holy relic, but a symbol of freedom. To jail flag burners mocks the very freedoms it symbolizes. You may be insulted and offended by what someone does to the flag, and you have every right to speak out against them and to insult them back. You do not have the right to use the government to enforce your views any more than you can call upon the government to enforce your religion on others. Spitting on a flag disrespects those who have fought and died to protect it; banning such politically charged speech disrespects them even more.

If politicians want to show their patriotism and reverence for their country, then they should enact laws that actually improve the country and the quality of life for all its citizens.

In the news I have no idea how long this link will be good for.