It always amazes me to hear people rant against burning the American flag. From a philosophical perspective, they completely miss the point. The flag is merely a symbol (albeit a vivid and important one) that represents the country. Though to some it represents things and events that we should not be proud of, much of what it represents are the things that make this country great. The United States introduced modern democracy to the world, has fought tyranny and oppression over and over, and is a beacon of freedom. One of the most essential of the freedoms that the flag represents is the freedom of expression. One of the things that makes this country great is that its citizens and those who come from abroad can express their beliefs, right or wrong, positive about the government or negative, without fear of persecution or repercussions. This freedom is fundamental. The idea that we should preserve a symbol of that freedom at the expense of that freedom boggles the mind. I usually don't agree with those who would burn the flag, but granting the freedom of expression solely for the viewpoints with which we agree isn't granting that freedom at all.
The second aspect of this debate is the hypocrisy that it fosters. I guarantee there have been many people shouting at the tops of their voices that burning the flag is disrespectful and should be banned while wearing a flag shirt or flag shorts or flag underwear (pictured above). Though these articles of clothing probably don't technically violate the law (cited above), they certainly violate the spirit of it. Is burning a flag as an exercise of one's freedom of speech more disrespectful than rubbing one's sweaty armpits or balls on the colors? Furthermore, the law specifically contemplates the burning of the American flag and, in fact, calls the act dignified. That people miss the obvious contradictions in their behavior and opinions will never cease to baffle me.
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