Teen Burns, Stomps American Flag

A teen claimed she was "making a statement" when she lit an American flag on fire with a cigarette lighter and then stomped on it in the middle of traffic, according to police.

[mjs]

She should be jailed, and made to attend a class on the history of the united states and what it takes to become a free nation and maintain that freedom.

[starlite]

People who do this sort of thing really annoy me. BUT, that's the beauty of this fine nation, they have every right to burn the flag. I'm sure when questioned, she could not produce a valid reason for burning the flag. She should go home and ask her parents to teach her some class, manners and a bit of history, seems she missed out the first time around.

[Tony]

Send her to North Korea or China or Iran to live.

[OC Regular]

How disrespectful.. She needs something, don't know what. Probably just another "Princess", "ME, ME" generation. What are parents teaching their children these days?

[Anon]

It's a free country... if that's how she chooses to make a statement that's her decision. I'm sure George Washington or Thomas Jefferson wouldn't support locking her in cell for expressing herself. What kind of freedom would that be?

[One Armed Man]

I say let her go live with the one armed man and be forced to be his sex slave for a year. That way she can get a taste of living in Iran. Then when he tires of her, he can stone her, hope his remaining arm is his pitching arm.

[OC Regular]

Anon wrote:

It's a free country... if that's how she chooses to make a statement that's her decision. I'm sure George Washington or Thomas Jefferson wouldn't support locking her in cell for expressing herself. What kind of freedom would that be?

It's again the law to disrespect our American Flag. You must be one of those kind of people who have no respect.
Peace,

[OC Regular]

Sorry type above, It's against the law to disrespect the American Flag. Nothing to do with Freedom of speech stuff. IT'S THE LAW.. Love it or leave it as the saying goes.

[armyguy]

The US Supreme Court has ruled that it is constitutional to to burn, stomp on, desecrate, or deface the flag. There are state laws on the books, but these have been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. My friends have died defending your rights---ALL of your rights, including flag stomping. Most US military agree with me and our defense of your free speech.

[OMG]

armyguy wrote:

The US Supreme Court has ruled that it is constitutional to to burn, stomp on, desecrate, or deface the flag. There are state laws on the books, but these have been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. My friends have died defending your rights---ALL of your rights, including flag stomping. Most US military agree with me and our defense of your free speech.

I thought Your job was to point out one armed Bosnians at fast food places on the boards....

[OC Regular]

armyguy wrote:

The US Supreme Court has ruled that it is constitutional to to burn, stomp on, desecrate, or deface the flag. There are state laws on the books, but these have been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. My friends have died defending your rights---ALL of your rights, including flag stomping. Most US military agree with me and our defense of your free speech.

Oh my, thanks for setting me straight, all this time I thought it was against the law.

[armyguy]

You and your freedom are welcome. I am going to Afganistan next week to defend your freedom, in case you are wondering.

[Comment]

This spoiled brat should be taken out behind the wood shed and have the $hit beaten out of her. Then, ship her sorry a$$ over to Afghanistan to spend some time with the Taliban. She'll be crying for her mom and dad within a few hours of having a berka pushed over face!

[OC Regular]

armyguy wrote:

You and your freedom are welcome. I am going to Afganistan next week to defend your freedom, in case you are wondering.

Oh ArmyGuy, keep safe, will add you to the list of prayers for our Troops. Thanks for all that you and your fellows soldiers do for us sorry saps here in these UNITED STATES.
Our Ravens Roost at times collect items to send to troops (usually to someone's son/daughter that is serving and their squad). If I knew your address, I'd send you some items and perhaps some others would also. Leaving for OC today for 10 days. If I see that one armed Bosnia guy flipping burgers I'll tell him you said hello....
Peace,

[Sean]

OC Regular wrote:

Sorry type above, It's against the law to disrespect the American Flag. Nothing to do with Freedom of speech stuff. IT'S THE LAW.. Love it or leave it as the saying goes.

No, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that burning the American flag is a form of expression protected by the First Amendment. Municipalities have issued misdemeanor summonses for starting fires without a permit, however.

1. See TEXAS v. JOHNSON, 491 U.S. 397 (1989) and UNITED STATES v. EICHMAN, 496 U.S. 310 (1990)

[OC Regular]

Sean wrote:

<quoted text>
No, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that burning the American flag is a form of expression protected by the First Amendment. Municipalities have issued misdemeanor summonses for starting fires without a permit, however.
1. See TEXAS v. JOHNSON, 491 U.S. 397 (1989) and UNITED STATES v. EICHMAN, 496 U.S. 310 (1990)

OK, OK.. I was wrong, the ArmyGuy already set me straight. It's just that I've always been taught not to do such things so I must have took it for granted that it must be against the law. Excuse me...I may not be the brightest bulb on the block but I'm Loyal....
Peace,