Why do Americans get so bent when people burn American flags?
475408
Have to disagree with you on this one RJF. Sure on the surface it appears to be 'silly' to take pride in a piece of cloth as you say, and not show respect for the 'melting pot' of people who make up the population of the country that piece of cloth represents. WE have our problems here, loads of them. We do not treat our poor and opressed with respect as we should, we do  not offer the best medical care the world has to offer on an equitable basis, we do not have equal justice for all. We sometimes appear to be the 'bully' on the block, picking on the 'little' kids who are no match for our strength and numbers.\n\n   But we do have some other things. We have the ability to say what we want, we have the freedom to march in Washington D.C. if we disagree with something, and trust me I have been there a few times. We have the remarkable strength of courage and conviction to build a country from nothing into something in a short period of time compared to the history of the civilized world. \n\n    I am not the best one to answer this. I did not serve my country in war, in fact although I have always supported our men and women in uniform, I did not agree with our country's policy in Vietnam nor do I agree with it in Iraq.\nThis country's poor and working class men and women for the most part are the ones getting killed and injured in war, and I suppose it will always be that way.  But that piece of cloth believe it or not, that simple piece of material represented something to them, and for their sake, for their honor, it means something to me.\n\nSorry about the rant...I feel better now. Take care my friend.
327143
absolutely yes. Think of it. a person burns an inanimate piece of colored cloth, and half the population goes ballistic; basically because of their insecurities. You want to burn a piece of cloth - what the hell do I care. to react any differently is to give you control over me, and I ain't about to do that. But most of you knee-jerk americans can be controlled in this way, because you do not have the gift of independent thought.
334524
they are hurting more than harming, these demonstrations are way out of hand. did you know there was a high school in california where protesting students tore down the american flag and put up the mexican flag. that's just bad PR.
1064601
Because Americans are stubborn.
530331
because our govenment is cruel and ferocious.  and also, our government likes to terrorize other countries.  but dont worry.  we americans are not like that, only our government, like many other governments.
193946
Thank You.  Some one had to say that.  There are to many people that take their freedoms for granted.  They don't understand that in other countries if we were to bash our country we could be tortured or worse.  Where has the Pride in America gone?  Does Amercias youth need a wake up call?  Do we need to take them to Iraq and Afghanistan for a week or two to see how bad it could be?  I am just as fed up as you are.\nGod Bless America and The Soldiers That Defend Our Homeland and Freedom
515314
This attitude comes from being a very large well develped country, which has progressively bred a disturbing level of arrogance.\n\nBasically, America is drunk on its own hype.
665923
Well put and I applaud you!  \nThe way I see it is this.  We have Americans who are what i call puppets.  What ever the government says they do.  What ever the government thinks and feels, they feel.  They have no backbone, they have voice.  When something happens outside their country they say oh what a shame.  But when it happens in their country they want everyone else to bend over backwards for them.  Why?  Because in my opinion they dont know how to be compassionate to any other country unless it is EXACTLY as their government wants it.  sad.  really sad.
733190
Klan burning the cross. Frankly I don't care much anymore if someone burns the American flag. With the way I feel, I might give them a lighter.
418915
No it's completly fine to fly a different countries flag on american soil but it is an insult if the american flag isn't higher that the foreign flag.  Plus when the American flag is flown upside down it is to signify under attack and it is not to be done except in dire distress!  So that tells me that the immigrants are trying to invade america, so why don't we deal with them the same way we deal with anyother invaders!  Mass distruction!!!!!
422155
Good question!  Probably cause they want to remain citizens of their native country but get the benifits of being American citizens!  But I should stop now before someone calls me racist............. I wonder if I started waving a Soviet flag around on the first if I would get attention too!
1124793
it should only be burned if it touches the ground... our flag represents everything our country stands for, everything our soldiers have ever fought for, and should be held in the highest respect...free speech  has nothing to do with desecrating and disrespecting  a  symbol of our country and way of life,    just like it has nothing to do with yelling "fire" in a crowded theater when there is no fire....  there are plenty of other ways to get your  point across/ express your views with out doing that......  if you hate this country enough to burn her flag... perhaps you are living in the wrong country...
234843
Because americans love to hate.
316605
no it isnt its just like burning our own flag. there are many mexicans who arent aliens and shouldent have their flag burnt.
1009483
We tend to have a habit of not doing so.  Sad, but true.  Makes me angry as an American.
252499
It's because of ignorant a**es like yourself that we are hated so overseas.\n\nYou're next question will probably be "Why do people hate us so much?"\n\nYou f**king retard.  Why don't you wrap your American flag around your head and suffocate yourself with it so the rest of us don't have to pay for your arrogance when we travel abroad.
231625
I think the law that is set in place regarding burning the flag is appropriate. I think it is a very disrespectful act to a country who does alot for it's citizens dispite the credit it gets. The flag represent the land and principals, it should not be burned because you disagree with certain laws or happen to not like the president of time... The flag represents our history and our future and should be respected.... just as every country's flag should be respected.....