Flag Desecration in the US, Essay Example

The Flag-burning Amendment, regularly referred to as the Flag Desecration Amendment, is a divisive proposed legitimate improvement to the U.S. Constitution,  which would consent to the U.S. Congress to statutorily exclude expression of political views and ideas through the desecration of the U.S. flag. The perception of flag desecration continues and will continue to provoke an intense debate over the protection of a state symbol that protects free speech as well as shielding the freedom represented by a state symbol.

While the projected amendment is frequently referred to as idiomatic in expressions of flag burning, this trend would sanction banning of all kinds of flag desecration. This may as well take ways other than burning, for example, using the flag for napkins or clothing. The U.S is split on whether the constitution should be revised to make flag desecration in the U.S. illegal. Flag desecration is a controversial issue that has been persistent in the history of U.S. since it became a country.

I strongly support the Constitutional Flag Desecration Amendment because of the following reasons:

Freedom of speech was included in the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights given that they were important. It is among the significant rights upon which the country of United States was founded. Even though, desecration of a flag might be considered disloyal and unpatriotic to some and liable to others, it is undoubtedly not a crime itself unless the person burning the flag is consigning a different crime at the same time.

Even though it is unpatriotic, desecration of U.S. flag falls under the freedom of speech. First adjustment of the U.S guarantees every citizen the freedom to express their personal ideas and views, whether or not someone is in favor or against the United States government, therefore, it should not be a crime. Some of the crimes are based on injuring people or the possibility of causing injuries to people, for example, rape, murder, etc. Though desecration of the U.S. flag may appear unpatriotic and disrespect to some people, it is not illegal to be impertinent, unless the burning of flag takes place in an area where burning of anything is illegal. To criminalize acts of freedom of speech is an indicator towards dictatorship.

While the US flag does represent the nation, it is only a symbol. If someone or a group of people go against the ideas and views behind the symbol, they ought to be permitted to do so. If other illegal activities are going on, which are causing harm to the people; there should be supplementary charges for having the flag as part of the unlawful activities.

In 1989, in responding to a flag burning by a group, the Supreme Court revised the Constitution by putting flag burning into the Bill of Rights. This First Amendment still exists to ensure that freedom of expression and speech applies not just to what people agree or disagree, but also to what people find disgraceful.

Flag burning still remains a rare and isolated occurrence. Those opposing the measure are also distrustful of its inevitable consequences that could, given its inaccurate wording, include waste of tax dollars on pointless and politically motivated prosecutions.

Reference:

Daily, R. S. (2005, Sep 23). Commentary: Flag desecration amendment to U.S. constitution. Daily Record. From http://search.proquest.com/docview/345473432?accountid=45049

http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-it-be-a-crime-to-burn-the-american-flag http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/aclu-calls-flag-desecration-amendment-assault-free-speech-says-measure-fails-very-princi