Burning Debut

Greetings. I will be one of your commentators in this foray of a lion's den known as U.S. Politics. I live in the South Eastern part of the U.S., and on most days I consider it the best part to live in. Yes, I know, we contributed some idiot public figures, but we've also produced some great ones. I am a registered Independent. I am also a conservative leaning moderate. At some point, we will address all my political views, so I will not bore you any further yet.

My first view point that I will discuss in my debut is a fluff issue in the grand scheme of politics, and used by them to distract the populace from more important topics. It does bring about a heated conversation if brought up at a large gathering of people, because it touches on other liberties we have as Americans. I am talking about burning the U.S. Flag.

Now, I understand the first argument going to be used is that it is covered under the First Amendment. But is it really? This is a two part fallacy.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

First, no where in there is it directly expressed that we have the right to burn the flag. So we come to the second part of that argument, and it comes to Freedom of Speech, which due to the Supreme Court, also covers Freedom of Expression and more specifically to this argument, flag burning. So, yes, one does of the legal right to burn the flag. But, burning the flag expresses what? Objection to the government and its policies? To the President? Congress? A war?

All those aren't the flag. The flag represents the sacrifices made by men and women throughout our history to give and protect the rights we hold so dear. Burning the flag is an affront to their sacrifice and the memory of that sacrifice. Seen the picture of marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima? Or maybe is was the sight of the flag for Francis Scott Key to write his poem, which spawned our national anthem. Or maybe the 1980 hockey team with it raised after beating the U.S.S.R. in the olympics? None of those represent what one might perceive as a justification to protest and burn the flag. The flag is the embodiment of the U.S. and its history, and to defile it in such a way reeks of the most absolute way to be un-American as one can be. The flag is not the government, or the President, or Congress. It is America and her people and priviledges and freedoms and all the intangible things you can't see or touch or put into proper word.

I believe it should be outlawed. I also believe that one should be tried for treason and revoked of their citizenship for burning the flag. I disagree on many things our government and elected leaders do, but I respect, honor and appreciate the sacrifices of so few for so many. And if one calls themselves an American, then they should consider that before they strike that match.