Flag burning
For many Americans the flag of the United States has been a symbol of freedom. However political turmoil and involvement in foreign wars has led to a new form of protest, protected under the first amendment of the Constitution-flag burning. Citizenship in America is not easy. Accepting another's beliefs to be his own and not to forcibly or otherwise project your beliefs onto him simply because you think you are right. The act of desecrating the American Flag is often considered an act of true freedom. This act has been the center of legal controversy for several decades. In order to convey a clear representation of this controversial subject, we must begin with the basis on which it is centered. The First Amendment of the Constitution states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The American Flag has a great and deep meaning to me. It not only represents the United States, but also the freedom that we benefit from and the lives of the men and women who have fought to
Gregory Lee Johnson, a member of the Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade was one of the hundred or so protesters at the 1984 Republican National Convention held in Dallas Texas (4-5). They were protesting against the political policies of President Reagan. A protester pulled an American flag from a pole near the convention center. Johnson was handed the flag, he proceeded to drench it with kerosene and light it on fire. Meanwhile the crowd chanted, "America, the red, white, and blue, we spit on you" (6). Congress failed to pass a constitutional amendment to prohibit flag desecration. Even the people who opposed flag burning did not favor to limit the Bill of Rights to outlaw the desecration. They believed that even if it is distasteful it is more important to express political opinion than to protect the Nation symbol (92). Some of these cases made it to the United States Supreme Court, however, from 1969 through 1985 the Supreme Court declined to hear over a dozen cases (50). Ultimately, out of all of the cases that did make it to the Supreme Court, none of them came up with the answer to the question; did free speech allow citizens to desecrate the flag? Out of all cases seen by the Supreme Court, Texas V. Johnson had the most impact on Federal flag desecration laws. From this Washington D.C. decided to write a code protecting the flag in 1923. The provisions were common sense: "the flag, as the chief symbol of the nation, should be treated with respect". Congress decided to adopt the code, but there were to be no penalties to be imposed on persons who chose to not follow the rules. During the 60's the flag became the central focus in many political disputes. Members of leftist groups desecrated the flag as a sign of American racism and imperialism. Eventually veterans and patriotic groups convinced congress to impose a $1,000 fine and/or a year in jail for anyone convicted desecrating the American Flag (60). This code has been written and rewritten, made suitable for the mindset and to fit the need in which time stood.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2040
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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