Flag-burning amendment

[migrendel]

In this year of grace 2004, how could we be having this discussion? Hasn't the Constitutional tradition existed for long enough to cast doubt in the minds of all on content-based speech regulations? But I must tackle this issue.

People support making flag burning a crime because they find it repugnant. But in a marketplace of ideas, those thoughts are something we must cope with. Some say this is an incitement. But every idea is an incitement, and it may set fire to the eloquence of reason. For that reason alone, I stand on a tradition that must endure when I support the right to burn the flag.

[migrendel]

How many times have you heard someone say somethin like "These people don't love their country, and I think it's disgusting" or "These people should leave this country if they don't love it"? Yes, this is the province of redneckery, but in some quarters it accurately reflects public opinion.

[migrendel]

And I believe you have a Constitutional right to burn a cross as well. That's a legitimate form of expression of viewpoint on race that is known by the Constitution. However, I believe the state has a right to criminalize planting it upon your law, because that infringes on property rights.