[Dimensio]

Physical harm or financial loss are not the sole arbiters of an offense against another. Consider a spouse who cites mental cruelty in a divorce.

I'd love to hear someone try to make a case that desecration of the US flag can inflict severe psychological harm on observers.

[null and void]

You've never lost a loved one defending that flag have you?

[Chummy]

Dimensio: I'd love to hear someone try to make a case that desecration of the US flag can inflict severe psychological harm on observers.

What we obviously don't need is another "I burned my lap when I poured my hot coffee there" lawsuit. My point to your response was that physical harm or financial loss, as you mentioned, are not the sole arbiters of an offense, and used as but one example a spouse who cites mental cruelty in a divorce.

A comedian yells "fire" in a crowded theater, an expression of, to said comedian, a joke. Assuming no one falls for the inciteful ruse, that no one is trampled by the moronic act, there is neitherh physical harm, financial loss or, as you offer, an infliction of severe psychological harm on those hearing the call.

Is the act nonetheless wrong?

What is overlooked is that those anti-American protestors out there are expressing one quite very basic philosophy: their utter contempt for the United States of America and for which it stands, one nation under God.

Hiding behind the flag, like the "brave" Iraqis hiding behind women and children, is an act of cowardice and arrogance, and claiming freedom of speech is as inapplicable in such instance as it would be to the individual who shouts "Fire" in a crowded theater.