Brit Hume: Flag-burning ban fails by one vote (to be discussed on the "All Star" panel)

FoxNewsChannel ^ | 6-27-06 | DTogo

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"Gosh, I knew that! What IS the federal government in two words or less? "THE PEOPLE".Did you not know that?"

The property of the federal government is not private property. If what you claim was true, anybody could just go to DC and take whatever documents they wish. You can't be that naive, can you?

[fuzzthatwuz]

"You can't be that naive, can you?"

Naaah, I am not that naive. I think somwhere in the dialog we slipped a cog. My fault!

[ErieGeno]

Once again the idiots in DC get it wrong... The issue should be 'desecration of the US flag' for protest purposes not 'burning the US flag'.... It seems that burning the US flag is the only respectful way to dispose of a worn and tattered US flag. Burning it in protest is not. And the idiots can't determine the difference????????

[Recovering_Democrat]

Scalia, the most conservative of the SCOTUS justices is also against the anti-flag burning law...though I guess I've never read or heard him speak regarding the Constitutional amendment aspect of the same.

[nc28205]

>>>I understand that. If some one burns a flag with 49 stars is it against the law??? What about a "paper" flag? all of these issues are unresolved and would have to be resolved by the courts.

Also, how does one dispose of those toothpicks with a little flag on the end we'll see at picnics all over the place next week?
And, what is desecration? Will we be going after those individuals that violate the US Flag Code by flying it in the rain or failing to properly illuminate it at night?

[loboinok]

Sorry for the delayed answer, had visitors over.

"Please identify the damage that results from desecration of a US flag."

Depends on whom it is wrapped around, casket it is adorning or how close the desecrator is to me. In any case, the damage would not be pretty. ;^)

[TheEaglehasLanded]

Wrong, I can't believe FREEPERS would agree with Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. The Supreme Court threw out by a 5-4 vote 48 state laws against flag burning. Mitch McConnell and Robert Bennett and the 2 clowns from North Dakota should be thrown out of office.

A constitutional amendment is the proper process to address such issues when the Supreme Court has taken over. The libs use the courts to amend the constitution.

[Dimensio]

Depends on whom it is wrapped around, casket it is adorning or how close the desecrator is to me.

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I was referring to damage or harm that results specifically from the desecration of the flag, regardless of the method or circumstances of its desecration. Clearly, if a flag is desecrated in a fashion that endangers others, then the action should be treated as any other act of endangerment.

[mrmargaritaville]

Why doesn't some "inventive" local authority or prosecutor go after flag burners using the same laws that are used to prosecute cross burners. Why is the speech of bigots and racists limited, but not American hating lefties? It would seem to me that a case could be made for prosection using the same "civil rights" laws.

[metmom]

I am continually puzzled by the false comparisons raised here. No one has suggested that flag burning is "okay". The only statement made in opposition is that flag desecration should not be criminally penalized.

I guess you're puzzled because most people would understand that not criminally prosecuting something means that someone has decided that the action is OK. If it weren't OK, then there would be criminal prosecution. By not prosecuting it, you're condoning it. Simple really.

[nutmeg]

FoxFan ping!

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my FoxFan list. *Warning: This can be a high-volume ping list at times.

[Dimensio]

I guess you're puzzled because most people would understand that not criminally prosecuting something means that someone has decided that the action is OK.

That is not a logical inference. For example, I do not believe that it is "OK" to vote for political candidates who favor strong restrictions on firearm ownership, however I do not believe that individuals who do vote for such candidates should be criminal prosecuted.

[loboinok]

I was referring to damage or harm that results specifically from the desecration of the flag, regardless of the method or circumstances of its desecration.

Personally, I believe it serves to de-Americanize us as a nation.

Those who have family that have fought and died for the flag and country it represents, will naturally be resentful of any who do not hold a modicum of respect or gratitude for those sacrifices. In my opinion, it shows a blatant disrespect for those who have died, preventing the flag from touching the ground, being destroyed or falling into enemy hands.

I also know that something is not right, when we claim "free speech" rights to do anything harmful to us as a people and nation. For the past 60 years the SCOTUS has been expanding our free speech and expression rights, while at the same time contracting our self-defense and property rights.(to name a few)

The result is a serious decline in our educational institutions and a need to build more prisons.

When we lack pride in ourselves and country, we are harmed.

I haven't checked lately, is it still illegal to burn federal notes?

[Dimensio]

Personally, I believe it serves to de-Americanize us as a nation.

Your personal beliefs do not amount to objective evidence.

Those who have family that have fought and died for the flag and country it represents, will naturally be resentful of any who do not hold a modicum of respect or gratitude for those sacrifices.

Your resentment alone is not justification for criminal penalty.

In my opinion, it shows a blatant disrespect for those who have died, preventing the flag from touching the ground, being destroyed or falling into enemy hands.

The purpose of law is not merely to mandate respect.

I also know that something is not right, when we claim "free speech" rights to do anything harmful to us as a people and nation.

You have thus far not demonstrated that one idiot desecrating his or her own private property is "harmful" to "us" as a people and nation".

The result is a serious decline in our educational institutions and a need to build more prisons.

You are asserting a causation without showing it.

When we lack pride in ourselves and country, we are harmed.

I do not see how criminal penalties for flag desecration will foster "pride" in ourselves and our country. Personally -- and I am aware that personal beliefs do not amount to evidence, but it is still noteworthy to show that there are situations where your approach may be counterproductive -- I find myself less respectful of a country that fears small-minded dissent through disrespect so much that it feels a need to punish such dissent through force of law.

[at bay]

Post 32 is not our flag. I don't like it when the flag is displayed with any image over it. desecration. I defend to your death your right to do it, but I don't like it. It is disrespectful. Dittoes to the John Wayne, an actor, image emblazoned with the flag behind it. Two desecrators right here on one thread. Even the President desecrated a flag by autographing it.

Those that know me know I am sincere in my remarks here. The flag is not to be displayed horizontally, either, as shown in another post on this thread. To be honest, I just found this out today watching the Senate debate. I will respect that flag etiquette as codified.

When the flag is to be flown at half staff, no other flags shall fly beneath it. I still don't go into the local Wendy's after the owner refused to take the Wendy's flag down on a half mast day.

Like delivering a close loss to Kerry, the Bill of Rights dodged a bullet today.

God Bless our flag and God Bless our Bill of Rights

[tgambill]

The vote for the burning of the flag, I promise you will fill up the hospitals with flag burners. :) It's time.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060627/ap_on_re_us/patriotism_survey

[tgambill]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060627/ap_on_re_us/patriotism_survey

[tgambill]

and apparently so does cowardice......flag burning should never be allowed in this country. The one ban that sticks out will lead to other anti-American sentiment, especially at this time. This is part of the effort to reduce U.S. Nationalism, as part of another scheme.

The Veteran population will be called to "serve" in our own country if these nutjobs start burning flags. It's time.

[tgambill]

They can buy a flag, but they don't own it. If they didn't serve or stand at attention when the athem was played, put their hand over their heart, and shed a tear...they own nothing and for all intents and purposes should pack their bags and leave either south or North as far as the train or packmule will take them.

The flag and the Constitution are one and the same.......this is the reality. Buy and Burn a Flag in Texas and see if you own it....:) Hope you have health insurance.

[BJungNan]

I don't think it's a good idea. Too many unresolved issue. One thing is what defines a flag.

Don't complicate a simple issue. The official U.S. flag in any form that it has been configured since our Independce. The Stars and Stripes.

It should be protected. Other countries, including free democracies, do not put up with crap like this.