FLAG DESECRATION

Desecrating the American flag, i.e. burning or stomping, has become a favorite means of protesting or rioting. Yesterday’s vile, contemptuous, despicable, and appalling display in Washington DC made my blood boil. I am irate, as you should be.

I understand that in 1989 the Supreme Court held that such actions constituted a form of “symbolic speech” and therefore fell under the protection of the First Amendment of the Constitution. I understand that many Americans have taken the liberal view and agree with the court’s decision.

That said, in my opinion such actions are just plain wrong. At some point, common sense has to take over. Since the Revolutionary War through the present day, millions of brave Americans have fought for and died for that flag and what it represents. It is a symbol of America and all it stands for.

There has got to be some legal way to curtail this scourge. The 1989 Supreme Court decision was only by a 5-4 vote. Today, the composition of the SC is different. Perhaps, another case can be brought that would result in a different outcome. A constitutional amendment is cumbersome, time-consuming and would take years. There has got to be a better way to deal with this.

Many of the rioters were probably illegals. They shouldn’t be in the US to begin with. Why should they be allowed to desecrate our flag? Why should they be afforded the right of free speech? Additionally, maybe the rioters can be prosecuted for other crimes such as assault and vandalism.

CONCLUSION

We have to find a way to curtail flag desecration. Our leaders seem to be unable or unwilling to take action. Other countries, particularly our enemies, see this as a sign of weakness and a further deterioration of American might.

My suggestions would be to:

1. arrest all the rioters;
2. find some other related crime to prosecute them for, such as vandalism or assault;
3. run their IDs to determine if they are wanted for other crimes (I dare say many of them will be.); and
4. ferret out those who are in the US illegally and deport them on the spot.

You may have better ideas. I welcome your suggestions. Somehow these activities must be stopped!