I proudly stand behind these countrymen regarding our flag
Published: October 10, 2009
I knew that when I wrote the column last week regarding “free speech” — as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1989 — that there would be at least one person who would read it out of context and try to make an issue solely regarding the burning of our national flag.
I was not wrong, as he commented in his usual fashion by posting the following to StarExponent.com:
“Maybe Mr. Bayne can cite some examples, but I can’t remember reading of any in recent years.”
Well, now, yes I can. In fact, had I the space, I could list over 150 such examples — the last (of which I am aware) occurred July 5 in Ocean City, Md.
That person also said “Whenever anyone is considering enacting a law, I’d hope they’d ask first ‘Is there a problem we should try to fix?’”
Well, perhaps that person should be aware that the legislatures of all 50 states have passed resolutions asking Congress to pass a flag amendment and send it to the states for ratification.
Of perhaps casual interest is the fact that the Supreme Court decision regarding “speech” under the First Amendment of the Constitution was decided by a 5-4 vote (this is where they redefined “speech” as permitting the burning of the United States flag by stating such action was symbolic speech).
Three of the justices voting for “symbolic speech” never served in the armed forces of the United States; one served in the Army in World War II; one served one year in the California National Guard. Three of the justices voting against the measure all served in the armed forces and the fourth was Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Does having served in the armed forces of the United States instill a greater respect for our flag? I tend to think it might.
Another interesting fact in this matter is that we find many national organizations on record as supporting an amendment to the Constitution that would ban “burning of the United States flag other than as approved by the flag code.”
Included are the following: AMVETS; African-American Women’s Clergy Association; Air Force Association; Air Force Sergeants Association; American Legion; American Merchant Marine Veterans; Ancient Order of Hibernians; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Catholic War Veterans; Combat Veterans Association; Croatian Catholic Union; Czech Catholic Union; Daughters of American Colonials; Dustoff Association; Gold Star Wives of America; Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police; Hispanic War Veterans of America; Hungarian Association; Jewish War Veterans of the USA; Knights of Columbus; Marine Corps League; Medal of Honor Recipients for the Flag; Military Order of the Purple Heart; Moose International; National Slovak Society; National Sojourners, Inc; National Society of the DAR; National Society of the SAR; Native Daughters of the Golden West; Navajo Codetalkers Association; Navy League; Polish American Congress; Rolling Thunder, Inc.; Ruritan International; Scottish Rite of Free Masonry; Sons of Confederate Veterans; Sons of Union Veterans; Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge; Veterans of the Vietnam War; WAVES National; Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association; Woodmen of the World.
Because of space limitations, I have omitted many organizations that support an amendment. I am pleased to stand with them in opposing the desecration of our flag.
Bayne’s column runs every Sunday on the editorial page.
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Eyesis writes: “name 4 inventions (which we use daily) that did not come from America.“
Doesn’t say anything about them being pre-1776.
OK, here’s some how about televison, radio, car, flush toilet, still not sure where you’re going with this.
But since I’ve humored you, how about you doing likewise….with something that is on topic…such as describing what such a flag burning law would consist of. But you won’t because any flag burning law requires that you’ll have to define what a flag is. But give it a shot, how about it.
To me those protestors doing stupid stuff like buring the flag represents the freedoms that you now find so precious.
Within whose reason eysis? Yours, mine, the flavor of the month? There are people who are 20 something now and they are protesting the current Viet Nam. You don’t get to graduate and suddenly be the “establishment” you were protesting against. Burning the flag is a silly issue to want to legislate and that will remain true no matter how you try to present it.
Nice try though.
To me those protestors doing stupid stuff like buring the flag represents the freedoms that you now find so precious.
Nice try though.
Within whose reason eysis? Yours, mine, the flavor of the month? There are people who are 20 something now and they are protesting the current Viet Nam. You don’t get to graduate and suddenly be the “establishment” you were protesting against. Burning the flag is a silly issue to want to legislate and that will remain true no matter how you try to present it.
Not valid answers rmja. All but one was before the inception of America.
Nice try though.
As far as the flag, the flag represents the freedoms that are precious and unfortunately taken for granted, especially in the case of those like your self. Burning the flag is tantamount to saying the Fbomb to America. I too used to be a little Hippy years ago until I realized that the attitude belied the rhetoric. And no, I do not care for shirts that have the stars and bars distributed in a way that it becomes unrecognizable. However, if I properly sew a flag onto my jacket without defacing it, wearing my flag to demonstrate pride in my country is not wrong. Flags are often sewn on uniforms as patches.
If we become controlled to the point of not being able to express within reason, your freedom of speech will be impeded also. Think beyond the moment here. We are not 20 somethings protesting VietNam anymore. Living for the moment is for the kids to enjoy. As we grow older, foresight and thought must be taken into consideration because what we choose today WILL affect future generations to come and we do not have a clue as to what the future will bring or what kind of political environment are children will be in unless we take our own self interests out.
Instead of amending the constitution, why not start small and just ensure that all the little flags that are used to line the main roads for July 4th are disposed of properly and promptly? It feels creepy driving over them after they blow out into the road.
Eyesis- OK. Now we’re at least trying to focus on what such a law might look like. Vandalism? Not doesn’t work very well though, because you can’t be charged with vandalizing your own property.
But sure if you burn someone else’s flag, that’s a crime. But the criminal code already covers that.
But here’s another angle that you might consider. Hate Crime. I have some problems with that. If you beat up a person, that is assault. If you beat up the person because of their race, etc. that is a hate crime which is another more serious charge.
So it does seem like if you destroyed someone’s property (for example their flag) that would invite a charge of destruction of property. But if you destroyed it for political reasons maybe that should be something like a hate crime.
Of course that doesn’t come into play often because the burned flag is almost always the property of the burner.
But I think my biggest objection to such a law is the difficulty in defining a flag. How could you make a law that said it was illegal to burn a polyester flag but legal to burn a paper one?
Frankly what I find far more objectionable as it is far more prevalent is the use of the flag for commercial purposes and on apparel. Why no objection to that?
And when did Obama say people don’t have a right to criticize him?
4 inventions that didn’t come from America? Telescope, microscope, printing press, clock, macadam, camera,
steel,....but now it’s getting to be more than four. And what does this have to do with flag burning?
Yes, the way it should be addressed it that it is punishable much like vandalism. We are not allowed by the law to deface property. If you understood this concept you would also understand that flying our flag upside down indicates surrender and distress. The only time it is reasonable to burn a flag is when it is worn and torn. Then it is taken and there is a procedure in which this is done. If you appreciated your country a little more you would understand this.
I have no problem with criticism of our government. I raised He// when Bush pushed the stimulus. At least Bush said that Sheehan had every right to protest, even when she was stalking his home in Texas. Why can’t the O do the same with those who criticize him? He is a mere human and not a rock star.
No El I was not speaking of you at all. I should have put rmja. No I do not think anyone is “great”. I just get sick of the America and opposing views bashing. I find it tragic that people are not able to debate anymore.
rmja never expresses any concessions and considers his view as the perfect and only view to be had. There are 6 billion views walking on this planet and I fail to see how anyone including myself can say there is only one view. I simply state that I love the fact that I was born in a country where I am a able to speak freely without fear of governmental interference. The probem is that this seems to be changing due to the WH attacks on media that criticizes. Richard Nixon did the same to the NY Times.
Without American Freedoms and Capitalism where would the world be now. I posed in another forum asking people to name 4 inventions (which we use daily) that did not come from America. I have yet to get an answer. PS, improvements are not inventions.
eyesis, if that was directed toward me then I laugh in your face. I know it really couldn’t be me cuz I am sure before you started puffing you did recall that I mentioned that I volunteered to serve my country and took an oath to defend the Constitution.
What I hold sacred is what I hold sacred. I do not want or need my government telling me what that must be.
You talk anout everyone else’s service, how about your own? Have you or are you riding on someone else’s coat tails?
What you wrote was nothing but unfocused ramblings that you attempted to direct toward everything you are afraid of.
I’ve never wanted to burn a flag. I’m a bit put off by the worship accorded a piece of fabric. I have no problem with the pledge of alligiance, but am uncomfy at the idea of being forced to recite it. I feel we owe our loyalty to our country and applaud those who serve, but love and respect for the symbols some of them followed into battle is utterly meaningless if coerced or legislated. Don’t waste time with the flag burning nonissue, allow your own reverence for freedom to inspire that reverence in others. Sometimes that will mean allowing others the freedom to disagree with you.
Advertisement