Before going any further, flag burning/desecration is a reprehensible act. It’s extremely disrespectful to our war veterans who have fought and died for their nation’s colors.
It’s an insult to the many thousands of Iraq and Afghan War veterans who have shed their blood to further democracy around the world.
As despicable as flag burning is, it’s also protected speech. The Supreme Court has upheld this, which is the reason that some in Congress are trying to write it into the Constitution of the United States as the 28th Amendment.
The House is due to vote today on this issue. According to Constitutional law, it must receive a ‘yes’ vote from 2/3 of the Representatives and then 2/3 of the votes in the Senate. If both houses approve it, then it goes to the several states for ratification. Thirty-eight states must ratify it within a certain time span (seven years in most cases) in order for it to be adopted as an Amendment.
The First Amendment must not be weakened for any reason, and banning flag burning would put a limit on free speech.
Those who burn flags for political demonstration purposes should be put into their place, but not at the cost of putting a muzzle on the First Amendment. This is a dangerous move.
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