Posted on May 19, 2015
Is it worth it to knock out someone who walks on the American flag and then secure the flag?
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Patriotism
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American Flag
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 93
Not unless you want to spend time in an ER for a gang stomp and maybe some time behind bars for assault. Its every Americans right to express their love and or hate of the flag no matter how it makes anyone feel, I would prefer to video or take pictures of this individual(s) and blast it out on social media and let Karma do its thing in the work place or around home. I have found that morons who burn the flag or stomp on it are just attention whores looking for recognition for their "BRAVE AND STUNNING" demonstration of the individual (GROUP) protest. They are not worthy of attention or even recognition as all they want is drama.
SGT Brad Baier
There use to be a law against the desecration of the American Flag. Our Flag needs to be protected by law. Anyone openly burning anything in public needs to be arrested for arson. Most people can't burn yard waste in a city without permission, but they openly set fires in the streets to our flag and books. This is BS and needs to stop.
That's a question only you can answer for yourself. See what the penalty is for assault and battery in your state. See what your command's application of the UCMJ has been in similar cases.
In Michigan simple assault will get you 93 days in jail, a fine of $500, restitution for victim medical expenses, lost wages, court costs, plus attorney's fees. Plus the victim has a good case for a civil suit that would include punitive damages. Before it's all done you'll be several thousand dollars out of pocket, get some jail time, seriously damage your ability to get hired for anything more than entry level low paying jobs.
Then the military is at a minimum going to give you an OTH discharge.
If someone so brazenly disrespects the flag, I don't care for it. But it is recognized as a Constitutionally protected form of free speech.
Next question, keeping in mind your oath of service, is it worth it to knock someone out in order to protect someone else's right to free speech? I think so. I swore an oath that I would give my life, if necessary, to protect the Constitution. So I'm honor bound to protect the person that walks on the flag.
In Michigan simple assault will get you 93 days in jail, a fine of $500, restitution for victim medical expenses, lost wages, court costs, plus attorney's fees. Plus the victim has a good case for a civil suit that would include punitive damages. Before it's all done you'll be several thousand dollars out of pocket, get some jail time, seriously damage your ability to get hired for anything more than entry level low paying jobs.
Then the military is at a minimum going to give you an OTH discharge.
If someone so brazenly disrespects the flag, I don't care for it. But it is recognized as a Constitutionally protected form of free speech.
Next question, keeping in mind your oath of service, is it worth it to knock someone out in order to protect someone else's right to free speech? I think so. I swore an oath that I would give my life, if necessary, to protect the Constitution. So I'm honor bound to protect the person that walks on the flag.
SFC Melvin Brandenburg
I stopped someone from burning the flag. Dude was down where I pushed him, and I walked away. He got the point. Although I didn't stick around long, because yeah there are some legal consequences if you get caught. Being in the guard has the advantage that as long as it isn't during a drill weekend military justice system doesn't apply. It could affect a clearance though, and that could affect a career, so if you do this, be very careful how you do it and know you are taking a big risk.
Maj John Bell
SFC Melvin Brandenburg - I'm not trying to be a jackass, but you do realize that you violated your oath, don't you? Given a choice, if I can only defend one, the Constitution or the National Ensign, I choose the Constitution.
No. He wins. Your assault trumps his free speech. It IS our duty to properly destroy an unserviceable Flag though. If some gasoline accidentally gets on him in the process, shit happens. My bad, drop and roll.
SFC Melvin Brandenburg
Too bad I didn't bring a blanket with me. God knows he wouldn't want to wrap himself in the flag.
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