I don't know if it's the ultimate free speech. It's hard to conceive of an appropriate moment for flag burning (other than the prescribed method for retiring used ones).
It doesn't matter how appropriate the speech or expression thereof. How appropriate is calling Pres. Bush a liar? How appropriate are the speeches or placards at a KKK rally?
Is appropriate speech to be the only speech allowed?
Freedom of speech means being able to express ignorant, wrong, or simply unpopular viewpoints - or it isn't free.
How about the day Kofi ordered the flags at the Un be flown at half mast to honor Arafat?
What if the timing & the election had be a bit different; and President Kerry were to order it {nation wide}?
What if he, then, fired jewish-american government workers that refused to honor Arafat?