Desecration of the American Flag
As American citizens, according to the 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States, we have the right to freedom of speech. However, in certain vicinities, such as public schools, that freedom is limited. Teachers for example, cannot discuss their own political or religious views with students. In addition, neither the teacher nor the student is allowed to profane. These types of restrictions are justified by saying there is a certain time and place for those subjects and school is not the proper place. School is for fundamental education and obtaining a broad view of the world without students being compelled into believing or acting based on the views of the teachers.
The same logic should be carried out with regard to the burning of the American flag. The burning of the flag is extremely unpatriotic and most likely would only be committed by someone who was antipathetic towards the United States. “The flag stands for our nation but also for its values: freedom, justice, independence, equality and ultimately, the people themselves. An attack on the flag isn’t just an issue of fundamental disagreement with the government but rather an attack on our country and her people, (Source C).” If an individual abhors America enough to desecrate the emblem of their country, then why would they want or choose to live in this great land?
The flag is like any other national monument in America. Respectable citizens would never contemplate obliterating its flag. It is against the law to desecrate the Lincoln Memorial…although someone could attempt to and then argue that they were expressing their views and instigate their freedom of speech. However, once in court and on trial, they would not have a chance of winning. As Source F clearly states, “Desecration, it might be said, is the intentional infliction of mental distress on others. It is not speech, it is not the communication of an idea--it is an attempt wrongfully to
The same logic should be carried out with regard to the burning of the American flag. The burning of the flag is extremely unpatriotic and most likely would only be committed by someone who was antipathetic towards the United States. “The flag stands for our nation but also for its values: freedom, justice, independence, equality and ultimately, the people themselves. An attack on the flag isn’t just an issue of fundamental disagreement with the government but rather an attack on our country and her people, (Source C).” If an individual abhors America enough to desecrate the emblem of their country, then why would they want or choose to live in this great land?
The flag is like any other national monument in America. Respectable citizens would never contemplate obliterating its flag. It is against the law to desecrate the Lincoln Memorial…although someone could attempt to and then argue that they were expressing their views and instigate their freedom of speech. However, once in court and on trial, they would not have a chance of winning. As Source F clearly states, “Desecration, it might be said, is the intentional infliction of mental distress on others. It is not speech, it is not the communication of an idea--it is an attempt wrongfully to