Burning the American Flag

I guess when it´s ok to honour a symbol (because you like what it´s supposed to represent), it´s also ok to dishonour it (because you dislike what it supposed torepresent). Freedom of expression and stuff...

i pray for those that do.

What about burning the flags of other countries? It seems that rarely is made a big deal of.

Had to think about this. I think it’s amoral. The act of burning a flag in protest had no moral weight in and of itself. Rather what should be judged is the intent and the statement of the person doing the protest.

As to the “it disrespects our veterans” line, I know this is anecdotal but I happen to know a couple vets, one being my totally awesome husband. He sees no problem with it, and is more disgusted by some of the actions of our government than by anyone protesting a symbol.

I k ow that people put a lot of stock in symbols, and I’m not above that. But a flag is just a symbol, and it doesn’t actually mean anything in itself. It only has the meaning that people imbue it with. I am more interested in ideas.

Introverted1293 said:

This is true.

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Like your new profile pic! ;o) creative

God Bless.

Introverted1293 said:

God bless you @brinny.

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Thank you. God bless you too, in extraordinary ways, Jesse.

Introverted1293 said:

Is it immoral to burn the American flag?

I know a lot of people have a problem with it, and it sometimes incites violence. But I am curious what you thought. But is it really disrespectful to our President when God says we are to respect our leaders, even if we disagree?

Would a Spirit-Filled Christian participate in the burning of the flag?

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Personally speaking, I don't have a problem burning the American flag or holding it upside down in protest against a social injustice (such as racism against minorities) or protest against a war. As a veteran social justice and political activist myself, I've witnessed both and I've actively participated in protesting against social injustice against Native Americans and other minorities (also in support of LGBT). On a personal level again, the American flag doesn't symbolize freedom and liberty to me.

I'm posting the following images to give you an idea of where I stand on the American flag issue. The last image, in particular, is the one image and quote I often use the most. I would like you to know that it's not my intention to offend you or anyone else with what I have said here in my response. I simply wanted to express my opinion and my personal thoughts on the issue like everyone else.

Probably one of the most patriotic things a person can do.

Roseanne's infamous singing of the National Anthem made me feel more proud to be an American than some non-offensive respectful singer singing it, lol.

Burning the US flag is like burning witches.

Strathos said:

What about burning the flags of other countries? It seems that rarely is made a big deal of.

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Introverted1293 said:

I did not think of that.

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There was an old cold war joke about a guy from Communist east Europe who had escaped to the US. He was talking with a guy and he asked about life in America.

" We work. We get paid. We buy our stuff. And we complain about our government."

"It is much the same where I came from. We worked. We did not get paid but our stuff was given to us. And we also complained about the American government."


It was not illegal or even socially unacceptable to burn a US flag in most other countries, especially those who are opposed to us.

Why should it be any big thing if we do that to other countries' flags?

Shiloh Raven said:

Personally speaking, I don't have a problem burning the American flag or holding it upside down in protest against a social injustice

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Said only by people who do not understand the international protocol for flag positions.

An upside down flag is like a call to 911. It is a situation where emergency help is needed.

dogs4thewin said:

I know you have to burn the flag when it is too worn for display. I saw this post as more addressing burning it as a form of protest than anything.

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Back when there was no perpetual war, the flag was supposed to be decommissioned (burned eventually) if it touched the ground.

It is based, partially, on maritime Law (like most of the legislative system). I don't think people care anymore, but when I was coming up you would break your leg before you let the flag touch the ground.

Dave-W said:

Said only by people who do not understand the international protocol for flag positions.

An upside down flag is like a call to 911. It is a situation where emergency help is needed.

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Most people are unfamiliar with the maritime Law history of the States.

Kaon said:

Most people are unfamiliar with the maritime Law history of the States.

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You know what they say about those who do not learn from history.

BTW, flag protocol is not JUST maritime. It is land based also.

Example: 2 flags on one pole, one under the other.

The flag on top is a military occupying force over the lower flag.