Desecration of the flag law

by **I_Like_Plants** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 05:04:34

They're actually seriously trying to pass a law against "desecrating" the flag.

That means damaging it or burning it, but only if it's meant in a certain way - after all, military flags are properly disposed of by.... burning! And, I could put a flag in the garbage with say coffee grounds all over it, if I put a package with a little "made in USA" and flag on it, in the trash and didn't realize the flag is there. Plus landfills often burn paper etc., so things like that would not be counted as "desecration". Only if you "mean it".

That means a state of mind, rather than an action, is being outlawed. US law was founded on punishing actions not states of mind.

But with the "hate crimes" laws and now this, the US is now in the business of punishing states of mind.

Anyone find the URL for that French citizenship application site yet?

by **shakespear1** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 06:26:42

So it looks like the law makers have plenty of time to micro manage all aspects of life and social conduct. That sounds pretty Sad.

Last time I was in the States I did not see this as an issue, where is this coming from?

Wow.

by **I_Like_Plants** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 06:44:07

It came up briefly about 5 years ago, I think was argued against on much the same grounds I just did (not sure they got into pointing out the unconstitutionality of the "hate crime" laws) and it was shot down, no problem.

I have no idea why they're trying to pass it again, it's completely out of the blue. Maybe a smoke screen to cover something else.......

by **LadyRuby** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 07:25:42

It's the right wingers. They have to come up with another fake issue to distract us from our real issues, like that we're teetering on the edge of a cliff. Last time, before the election, it was gay marriage and they effectively used that to divide the country. Now they think they can use it with flag burning? Pathetic!

by **Barbara** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 07:47:40

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'A')nyone find the URL for that French citizenship application site yet?

by **LadyRuby** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 07:56:11

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I')n my country you can't burn ANY flag, whatever the country. It's a sign of respect over ours and other countries.

by **sklump** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 08:18:41

Whew! Good thing your leaders have already solved all your other problems.

And now for Paradise on Earth.

by **Trindelm** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 09:16:56

wheww I for one am relieved, them terrorist lovin' queers aint gonna marry and now they can't burn our flag.

Funny, the same people that went wild about promoting the 10 commandments, are now violating one by encouraging the worship of a graven image.

Flag burners suck, but hey, its their right to hold a beacon unto their idiocy.

by **shakespear1** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 09:34:24

I think the other Commandment they are breaking is "THous shall not kill". However I have read articles on how the Vatican can explain this one away. :roll:

Anything is Possible :twisted:

by **aldente** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 10:03:59

I've heard this quote now twice: If fashism it to come to the United States it will do so hidden and wrapped in the American flag.

I am very suspcious about this overblown symbolism, all those flag-stickers on cars and the like. Especially since 9/11 they seem to have popped up everywhere. Not a healty development.

by **shakespear1** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 10:27:07

Yepp, even if someone disagrees with the countries direction or is for it, that should not be a measure of whether he is a Patriot.

Vietnam proved this, but again we have forgotten that lesson.

by **Trindelm** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 10:29:36

Most of these ribbons are magnetic, easily removable, a testament to the fickle "flavor of the month" attitude shared by many of us in this society.

by **Grimnir** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 10:32:53

The right-wingers know the climate is good right now for getting their pet issues through. It will also get the DSM out of the headlines.

by **Tyler_JC** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 11:48:28

It just passed in the House...
The bill will get bogged down in the Senate however.
It wouldn't surprise me if the GOP says to the democrats, "We'll let this flag burning thing go away, if you let us get a few more judges."

It's just a politcal ploy with no hope of passing. Much like the gay marriage amendment, they are doing the old bait and switch. When the Democrats were in power, they did the exact same thing. It's not limited to either of the parties, it's just a natural outgrowth of having a republic.

by **rockdoc123** » Thu 23 Jun 2005, 23:27:11

well not being a 'merican I can't speak to the authenticity of this but my understanding is that the founding fathers of your constituion were committing acts of treason when they signed that document? Not sure where I heard or read this but probably makes sense given the political machinations of the time.

So seems to indicate that breaking laws is possibly a good thing....especially those that make no sense.

by **BrownDog** » Fri 24 Jun 2005, 00:03:58

Passing such a law is important. It shows that it's the flag, not the constitution that should never be desecrated. :roll:

by **BrownDog** » Fri 24 Jun 2005, 00:05:29

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('LadyRuby', 'I')t's the right wingers. They have to come up with another fake issue to distract us from our real issues, like that we're teetering on the edge of a cliff. Last time, before the election, it was gay marriage and they effectively used that to divide the country. Now they think they can use it with flag burning? Pathetic!

Desecration of the flag law

Desecration of the flag law

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