Do you believe there should be a constitutional amendment banning flag burning?
351161
I don't think it should be outlawed but i do feel a person or group should have to show good reason and get a permit prior to doing so.  How many would burn a flag in protest if it cost them money to do so.
1134674
A flag ceremony pays respect to your country.  This should be done in silence.
1187325
I think anyone who burns the U.S. flag should be arrested and placed in jail for a minimum of 60 days and then be made to join the military for 1 year. I'm a vet I put my life on the line for this country and so has every male member of my family since the Revolutionary War. I consider it an insult not only to me but all those before me who gave their lives so these punks have their "freedom of speech"
1004901
I believe in absolute free speech, with reasonable consequences. Shout fire in a movie theater, and you should receive reasonable punishment.\n\nTake flag-burning, a favorite topic of spineless politicians -who come out firmly in favor of the flag. What is the real consequence of burning a flag? Most people get righteously angry. But if they thought it through, they would realize that by the simple act of flag burning, the flag burner has inspired more patriotism in observers than a stupid politician (or anyone else) pontificating on a podium. A piece of cloth has been burned, yet the Republic survives. Sometimes, the government REALLY DOES do something stupid, and perhaps burning a flag is the only way a concerned citizen can express outrage - especially if they are not well-connected to the halls of power.\n\nThe freedom of speech and expression is the MOST IMPORTANT freedom we possess. If a country, as opposed to a mere government, cannot survive words and gestures, perhaps it is inherently too weak or corrupt to survive.\n\nI may not like what some people have to say, but it rarely is fatal to listen to another point of view. Sometimes, we are not as smart as we think we are.\n\nLong live the first amendment.
587694
While you're at it, you can tear up the Constitution and punish people for having original thoughts... \n\nThere are so many worse things to be offended by...
221479
People do have a right to burn a lot of things, including a flag!  But if you are burning the American flag, then you might as well set yourself on fire!  That's because the American flag stands as a symbol for the freedom of expression, and the freedom to burn flags!  And if you are burning the symbol of expression, the very symbol which allows you to burn the flag itself, then in effect you are rejecting you freedom of expression which the American flag stands for!  If you are burning the flag, you are basically saying that you do not want to have freedom to express yourself constructively, and in a positive manner!  In a sense you are rejecting the very freedom which enables you to burn the flag!  It does seem kind of odd for most people that anybody would want to burn the flag of their own country, especially a country which is very tolerant of these types of irrational expressions!  All I am trying to say is - don't bite the hand that fed you!  If you do not like this country, then leave!  Go to Canada, or Mexico, or Iran, (while there, try burning that country's flag for everybody to see, I would pay money to see that)!  But no, you see just the opposite happening, more people want to come to this country, because this country more than any other allows for Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness, and amongst many other things, the right to express yourself, and speak your mind!  No, I am not saying that this country is perfect, but compared to the rest of the world, it just might be!
446204
In a ideal situation we should remove the laws that restrict posession by law abiding citizens.\n\nBut more importantly...\n\nENFORCE the laws we already have.
1011023
That sums it up pretty good, to further outrage you, the next topic up for debate is a constitutional amendment prohibiting flag burning. But to defend, the congress is just as bad as the president.
1064157
As a Canadian, I will burn who's ever flag I want.  I have been involved with, and will continue to be involved with, the burning of the American flag, and the flag of any other country who's actions I disagree with, as an act of protest.  The burning of the American flag symbolizes the distruction of American freedom, and a proud end to your tradition of being "the home of the free".  Oh, and fyi, Americans regularly burn the flags of other countries.  Also, I support the burning of the Canadian flag (as a born Canadian, who's parents and grandparents are born Canadians)when this country gets up to things I don't agree with.  Flag burning is a sign of *strong* disagreement; it shouldn't be over-used, as that robs the act of all meaning.  But the jesture should not, and cannot, be disallowed.  I have not yet burned a Canadian flag, but as mr. Harpers government continues down the same path mr. Bush decided to follow, the day when that action will be warrented comes closer and closer.
93606
No, I don't belive so, because as a free country, citicens should be able to do what they want, and protest however they wish, so long as it brings no physical harm to others. However, be it Austrailia, U.S.A. (my home), U.K., or any other free nation, it is truely sad for flags to be burned, and kind of counter productive, as they are using the freedoms of that country to burn the flag (irony?). If I were Austrailian, and saw somone burning an Austrailian flag, I would protest by raising mine higher.\n\nBottom Line...\nPeople should have the right to protest as they please, be it flag burners, or FLAG WAVERS!\n\nGreetings from the states!
1013598
I'm telling ya. It gets nuttier and nuttier.\n\nI would consider myself Patriotic, and I love the U.S.A. , and \nto burn the flag because some Piss Ant wants to flaunt his \n"1st Amendment rights"  just cause he can is not only in bad taste, but VERY UN-AMERICAN in my book. \n\nMaybe it's me but every time I see some son-of-gun burning the flag it breaks my heart, I mean I literally feel sick to my stomach over it because if people could walk in the shoes of those young boys and girls who fight each day for our country, putting their own life on the line, losing limbs, and dying for us and our country, well what a shame, and  what a lie we are as a country. \n\nWhen I see people burning the American Flag it's like flipping the bird (giving the finger) to those who have fought in the past and\npresent, and it's a selfish thing to do. \n \nYea, go ahead and rationalize your rights and why you want to burn the flag, hide behind the 1st Amendment.  Tell our troops why you want to do it, but I'll tell you something, if you're ever in a \nbind over in some 3rd world country, don't hide behind the flag if you've been burning it at home. \nAs they say in America: What comes around goes around and let me tell ya something, Karma is a bitch.
1081828
Hell no. The flag symbolizes our freedom - including the freedom to burn it if we want. Will they ban using it on clothes? How about letting it hang outside your house until it's tattered and faded? What about all those made in China magnetic ones on the backs of cars that are filthy dirty?\n\nThe flag burning amendmant is just a way for republicans to placate their rightist followers without doing anything.
496026
Yes,use your imagination JUST_,I would vote for this if it were to follow the original constitution.There is a lot of"MEN" who would support having this come to fruition.We have a country that rejects its men,allows illegals to come in to any state,allows women to kill their unborn children,who would be living breathing people if they didn`t and allow people who are not citizens to acquire disability who can not speak English.Something that a six week night course could cure.The list could go on for hours but In the correct form I WOULD do what you ask. GOOD QUESTION!
565467
Short answer: NO!\n\nIn this country (America) we have a beautiful constitution. This constitution gives us immense inalienable rights. Rights no one can take away from us. One of those rights is the 2nd Ammendmant right, the Right to bear arms! We have the fundamental right in this country to own guns to protect our country, our family, our neighbors, and ourselves. Banning guns would violate the document that has ensured and protected our freedoms for centuries. \n\nMore importantly if you ban guns the only people left with guns would be criminals and the military. And criminals on a daily basis have more access to my house, my street, and banks than the military does. Banning guns would make criminals more deadly.\n\nIn the famous words of Charleton Heston speaking at an NRA meeting, "The only way you'll remove my gun is to pry it from my cold dead hands."\n\nhope this helps.
612133
I couldn't agree with you more. Our country's flag is a symbol of our national pride and it represents a legacy of greatness, passed down to us from our ancestors and others who helped build the foundation for the way of life for which our country stands. When our flag is burned it is a slap in the face to all those who live here and to those who have served our country to protect our freedom and our land; it shows such an extreme anger, jealousy and hatred for that which we cherish. It is a direct message to the people of America, which says, " We hate you. We hate your way of life, your belief system, morals, your government-and we hate you!" \n\nWhat is terribly sad, is that there are those who call themselves Americans, who do this very thing.  If you're mad at your government, call or write your Congressman, Senator, or other elected officals....contact the media. In this day and age, where we seem to thrive on exposing every last detail of any and everything, there are plenty of outlets where one could better and more effectively channel their energy and possibly effect change, instead of being destructive, not only to our nation's symbol, but to those who represent it, the American people.To those people who are guilty of such a vile disregard for for our nation's flag, and for everything "for which it stands...one nation...Under GOD....for liberty...for all" - I remind you, if you don't love, honor and respect it....kindly leave it. I must tell you, you'll be hard pressed to find better.
106754
Yes. I think the Constitution should be amended to include non-born citizens, that have been citizens for at least 10 years. Most of the people who immigrate and become citizens love this country more than people born citizens. Those that are born citizens take too much for granted, while those who become citizens work hard for it. They should have as much oppotunity as anyone else.
1140370
You cannot outlaw something that is constitutional and something that is spirit of the constitution as well. It wouldn't go over well with the people, I tell you.