Should Congress revisit the Flag Protection Act after newest American "flag stomping challange?

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:07:55 -0400

The newest American “challenge” involves flag stomping. This craze hides behind First Amendment rights. However, in Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code it clearly states otherwise. With cases like United States v. Eichman 496 US 310, a mixed message is being perceived by the populous. The notion that this behavior is acceptable is becoming more prevalent. Should Congress propose another Flag Desecration Amendment? Making it harder or more discouraging to publicize these kinds of actions of “free speech” that are now being glamorized via social media.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DixpYVR1hM0

Stomp On The American Flag Challenge (US Flag Protest)

Some people seem to think it's a good idea to stomp all over the American flag... no, these people aren't from foreign nations, crazy, I know. They're Americ...

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 14 at 2015 2:10 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:10:34 -0400

DEFINITELY!!!

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 14 at 2015 2:12 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:12:21 -0400

Without a Doubt!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 14 at 2015 2:19 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:19:59 -0400

The video was interesting and I think I would actually fall on the side of defending these idiots rights to free speech...as long as they are willing to defend my free speech in throat punching them? It is Thursday after all?

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 14 at 2015 2:26 PM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:26:54 -0400

Revisit immediately,

Our Flag should be treated with respect if not we should be able to choke out those who choose to stomp. I am all for freedom of expression just not with "Old Glory!"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 2:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:30:43 -0400

I think our public education system is to blame for things like this. If people were taught in school what that flag represents, and were made aware of the sacrifices that were made for that flag to enable them to have their freedoms, then people would not be disgracing it and making a game out of it.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 14 at 2015 2:33 PM

SFC Joseph James — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:33:30 -0400

Well what will another law do if we don't enforce the ones on the books now. I get the ""1st Amendment" argument, but personally i want to Throat Punch these idiots!

Response by 1SG Joe Messier made May 14 at 2015 2:46 PM

1SG Joe Messier — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:46:46 -0400

Response by SPC Candace Leach made May 14 at 2015 2:46 PM

SPC Candace Leach — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:46:53 -0400

Please do! This is not just an regular flag, it's our symbol of freedom, our country's pride. Service members in the past and present have fought and died for this country and is sad that our nations flag is being disrespected.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 2:55 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:55:29 -0400

Absolutely not.

"The notion that this behavior is acceptable is becoming more prevalent." This notion is correct from a legal standpoint, and should stay that way.

"Should Congress propose another Flag Desecration Amendment? Making it harder or more discouraging to publicize these kinds of actions of “free speech” that are now being glamorized via social media." Absolutely not. Social media is an extension of the community. What you're advocating is censorship, pain and simple.

I completely understand why you feel the behavior is disgusting. I happen to agree. But what I find more disgusting is how people let their emotions compel them encourage limitations on ALL OF OUR individual freedoms. I take this so personally because I, as all of us, signed up to (among other things) protect those freedoms.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 14 at 2015 3:02 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 14 May 2015 15:02:48 -0400

Although I disagree with the specific behavior, legislating it is counter to our individual Rights.

The Flag is a Symbol, and if that symbol is not actually representative, then the People have the Right to express their displeasure at the Government they believe that symbol represents.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 3:23 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 15:23:28 -0400

SGT Nia Chiaraluce like Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS and SPC Private RallyPoint Member have said, the flag represents the government, which is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. If people disagree with something or want to show their displeasure with the government using the flag is a way demonstrating that. Whether it is by flying the flag upside down, stepping on it, burning it, or any other way people use the flag to show they are upset. We swore to defend the rights of the people not to protect a flag. The flag doesn't need to be protected, all of our rights do.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made May 14 at 2015 3:52 PM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Thu, 14 May 2015 15:52:59 -0400

I just see it like this. If they are in fact protected under the First Amendment, then make the glorification of it on social media illegal. The spreading of that mindset to young minded children who eat this stuff up and just do it to "be cool".

Response by MSgt James Mullis made May 14 at 2015 5:10 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:10:39 -0400

Yes, they should revise the act, but not by adding new criminal penalties. If found guilty of desecrating the flag, the government should suspend, reduce or eliminate services for those convicted. Things like Welfare, Medicaid, EBT, school loans, etc. If the convict wants those services returned, they should be forced to apologize and do public service.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 5:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:26:59 -0400

I can't believe "flag stomping" is a thing, like it's the next trendy thing to do after the ice bucket challenge. I never expected to see this happening on our own soil, by Americans, in the name of "free speech" or anything else. Completely inappropriate and worthy of shame.

Response by SPC Thorsten Fosgate made May 14 at 2015 5:37 PM

SPC Thorsten Fosgate — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:37:04 -0400

The law exists, no ones enforcing it

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 14 at 2015 5:43 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:43:32 -0400

Absolutely not. I hate it, but do we really want to start down the road of limiting the 1st Amendment to what doesn't offend our sensibilities? That way lies tyranny.

Response by SGT John Wesley made May 14 at 2015 5:55 PM

SGT John Wesley — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:55:06 -0400

Loved the video! And as far as I'm concerned, anyone stepping on the American Flag can move to Syria, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq, and any other place they friggin want to, but get the hell out of here!

Oh! Yes, it should be a felony!

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 14 at 2015 8:38 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:38:46 -0400

I'm not a lawyer, but since the Supreme Court has already ruled on this I believe it would take an amendment to the constitution and I believe our legislators could spend their time more productively

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made May 14 at 2015 9:01 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Thu, 14 May 2015 21:01:58 -0400

Yes and now. Enough said.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 14 at 2015 11:42 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Thu, 14 May 2015 23:42:15 -0400

I think it's a disgrace. It sickens me. At the very least fine these people. Sad sad sad.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 12:26 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 00:26:08 -0400

The "Eric Sheppard Challenge". A social media trend I hope that fades but I don't see it happening anytime soon with all that's happening in Baltimore. I believe the individual who started this was a Black Panther Nationalist who started this "challenge" as his view on race and equality in America. He picked the wrong symbol to step on though...

As for revisiting the law, I think we should. Yea I get the 1st ammendment stuff yada yada but as America, can't we take a little more pride in things that represent us?

There should be a small penalty for desecrating the flag, protest or not. Look what happened in Baltimore. I'm not saying stepping on the American flag is what caused the riots in Baltimore but people are hashtagging, tweeting, facebooking, etc in response to what happened in Baltimore with pictures/videos of them stepping on the flag. Riots, looting and flag burning all in protest?

How is stomping on our flag ok for freedom of speech when this isn't? (Explicit language in link. Sorry.) http://thefifthcolumnnews.com/2015/04/only-in-merica-man-violates-flag-code-to-protest-violations-of-flag-code/

Since he is protesting the protest shouldn't he be protected by the 1st amendment as well?

Only in ‘Merica: Man violates flag code to protest violations of flag code

Burning fried chicken for 'Merica!Read more

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 12:49 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 00:49:15 -0400

This is an interesting question. I am very offended when someone intentionally desecrates my flag. I also realize the constitution is what we are really defending and we cherish and defend the freedom that that constitution provides. However, I'm not an expert at Constitutional Law. If the Supreme court ruled that putting the "flag code" as an actual enforcable law making it perhaps a misdemeanor to PUBLICALLY and DELIBERATELY deface the flag, does not violate constitutional law (1st amendment) I would be pleased. (exception of course flag retirement ceremonies which I believe is covered in the code on how to respect/display the flag)

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made May 15 at 2015 1:19 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 15 May 2015 01:19:50 -0400

Perhaps the States, COTUS, SCOTUS, and POTUS should take a moment and revisit the policies and actions that have people walking on the flag... This is just a precursor of things to come if something doesn't change.

Response by SGT David T. made May 15 at 2015 8:59 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 15 May 2015 08:59:59 -0400

As a veteran and civilian employee, seeing this display infuriates me. However, the right to freedom of expression is the cornerstone of our way of life. If we pass laws prohibiting this act, then what is next? Does the government start censoring speech that criticizes it? When we start down this path it always leads to greater restrictions on individual freedoms. The first amendment protects bad speech as much as it does good speech. So yes they have the right to express themselves in such away. However, I have the right to express how worthless I think they are.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 15 at 2015 9:18 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:18:23 -0400

Flag should never touch the ground.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 1:47 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:47:52 -0400

I remember standing up every morning in school to say the Pledge of Allegiance until high school. I don't know why it changed but think if schools had more patriotism it wouldn't be "cool" to be disrespectful and ignorant.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 10:05 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:05:55 -0400

Current White House petition, calling on the government to provide protections in honoring the American Flag that many Brothers and Sisters have given their lives to protect.

Source: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/reinstate-flag-code-and-make-it-criminal-offense-desecrate-flag

Reinstate the Flag Code, and make it a criminal offense to desecrate the flag. | We the People:...

Many families and veterans are offended by the amount of individuals who are willing to stomp and burn the flag. We, veterans and our families, find it highly offensive and would like to ensure that justice is sought for these offenses.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 11:36 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:36:57 -0400

People have the right to perform this action and the government has no authority as determined by the Supreme Court to do anything about it. The fact remains that those who choose to do this do face public scrutiny and censure. There are ramifications for their actions. I personally would not hire or associate with anyone based upon the negative fallout of such a public spectacle.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 12:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 12:44:44 -0400

I think this is about attention. Taking about it, sharing a video or anything gives them the attention they are seeking. Ignore them and this trend will go away.