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Interesting discussion on local talk radio. If flag burning is free speech, does that mean that for public safety reasons and to also exercise free speech you can “extinguish” such a fire?

Another caller said that yes it is free speech, but that it should be regulated just a some parades are. The Fire Marshal should be advised and approve a “burning safety” plan, that there should be mandatory required extinguishing equipment or that the “protester” should have to pay the local fire department to have “expert fire fighters on hand” in case the fire gets out of hand. That flag burning should be banned on days when air pollution is high. That the ash, should be carefully removed and disposed of so as to not litter or pollute, etc.

I do think that flag burning is horrible, but to the extent that the Supreme Court has declared it “free speech.” Then it should be regulated in an appropriate manner.

For all those flag burners that don't comply with the regulations, I think that serious fines and/or jail time would be appropriate for endangering public safety and our environment. (two can play the game.)

Perhaps in the spirit of the 2nd Amendment, we can also require a federal instant check requirement for all flag burner permits to insure that they are citizens, with no criminal records, and no history of domestic abuse or mental health issues. I mean both the 1st and 2nd Amendments are Constitutional Rights.