[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.