Quote Originally Posted by graymatter
Of course they exist!

Some cartoons depict muhammed wearing a bomb shaped turbin. The message is that Islam is a violent religion that advocates killing through suicide bombing. I don't believe that, and I seriously doubt the creators of those cartoons did, but fanatical elements set out to prove the satire true.

What's the answer: Stop offending people?
Yes, they do.

Could the cartoons not be examples of how rediculous it is to assume all muslims are terrorists and that the jihadists are trying to hijack islam?

No the answer is changing the laws to protect the flag then the protesters can find another way to piss on America.



Quote Originally Posted by Fengzi
Honestly iamapatient, I don't know what would consitute a legitimate reason. I personally couldn't concieve of a reason to burn the flag. I don't know, maybe something like the mother of a son who is drafted, and dies in an unjust war, burns the flag in protest and as an expression of her grief. I would have to hear the reason, and try to judge how strongly a person feels about the issue, before making my final decision. In any case, I'm sure 99% of the time I'd come to the conclusion that the burner needs a beating. Certainly being pissed off about losing an election, or the fact that an idiot is in the White House, don't qualify in my book though.

You're right that a lot of what is posted in this forum is done just to get a rise out of those who don't agree with our point of view. I'm no more innocent of doing that from time to time than you or anyone else here is. There is a huge difference between that and burning a flag for the same reason though.

Certain symbols are just sacred and shouldn't be desecrated. Doing so is just incredibly insensitive and in terribly poor taste. Take a Crucifix for example. I am not a Catholic or a Christian and do not beleive in God. I would, however, find the desecration of a Crucifix just as offensive as the burning of a flag. Yes, it is just a piece of wood or plastic just as a flag is just a piece of fabric. And, yes maybe it is a symbol used by those whose views I feel very strongly against. But it is also a symbol that many, many very good people hold dear. It is out of respect for those people that I feel the way I do.
I cant think of a legitimate reason. The mothers of fallen soldiers have a right to grieve but burning a flag, symbolizing the destruction of America is not the way to mourn a fallen hero, who wasn't drafted and joined an all volunteer military.

There is no right to not be offended but the flag is another thing.

I'd add other religous objects from all religions too, not just the Cross and flag.



Quote Originally Posted by likemclever
No it is not just a piece of material. No more than the constitution and the bill of rights is just a piece of paper.

And yes you should have the right to burn it but when you do you should also be prepared to have your face punched in by those expressing themselves on your face.

I wish just once a gust of divine wind would wrap a burning flag around one of those idiots and disfigure them for life. They can explain to their grand children how they got their scars.
I agree that it's more than stars and stripes in a particular pattern, that's why I think it should be protected and respected. My father fought in WWII to protect America, not destroy it. When I joined the US Army I swore to defend America not destroy it.

I cant think of a legitimate reason to burn the American flag, in America. Doing so symbolizes the destruction of America and I reject the mere concept.

Like this one?