[Stone Mountain]

For the sake of the discussion, assume for the moment it is not [a joke].

Well, I'll try...

If you or any one else defend as an expression of free speech the desecration of the American flag, answer the question: Explain why a physical act that expresses a passion for our country should not be protected, but an act of incitement is.

Okay. The fact that you call both a "physical act" does not mean that they are equivalent. WE live in a country that allows people to express unpopular points of view. Desecrating the American flag is one way of doing so. It may be unpopular, but it is still legal. Assaulting another person is not. I don't see how any person could possibly equate the peaceful expression of an unpopular view with an assault on another person.

Don't avoid the question with more rhetoric.

Wasn't avoiding the question - I really didn't think that anyone would seriously equate assault with non-violent protest. Guess I was wrong.

[Chummy]

I did not say each of the physical acts was equivalent, nor did I imply or intend to do so. They needn't be.

Is violation of the US Code "legal" as you write?