What does this say about our Servicemembers and what they swear to support and defend?

2015-05-05T02:27:37-04:00

It saddens me that, simply based on this poll, it appears that over 60% of Service-members advocate violence and/or physical action to stop another US citizens from exercising their Constitutionally protected right to free speech. Have we forgotten what our Oath is to? Do we value a flag more than the values it represents? Is this really representative of what our Armed Forces members think, or is this more like keyboard-warrior bluster?

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 5 at 2015 2:34 AM

2015-05-05T02:34:03-04:00

I am aware of my oath but it said all enemies foren or domestic and destroying the flag makes you an enemy in my mind and where will it stop?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 7:04 AM

2015-05-05T07:04:24-04:00

It is a highly emotional issue.

The knee jerk reactions are save the flag, kick butt, etc.

But, the supreme court has said it IS free speech. Therefore the law of our land is that it is free speech. And, our oath requires us to defend a person right to do so. We can disagree, but we can not ignore what the court has said.

One thing we must always remember. A freedom does not exist unless it is freedom for everyone. There can not be exceptions.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made May 5 at 2015 8:19 AM

2015-05-05T08:19:46-04:00

I understand that the flag means a lot to those that served. It means a great deal to me. I teach classes to scouts, schools, and others about the flag, flag etiquette, and proper disposal of the flag. I have participated in and organized flag disposal ceremonies. I understand that the flag code is law, however, there are no penalties in federal for not following it.

"This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes. It does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States Flag. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the District of Columbia. Each state has its own flag law.

Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989. The Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute unconstitutional. This statute was amended when the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine and/or up to I year in prison for knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically defiling, maintaining on the floor or trampling upon any flag of the United States. The Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman, decided on June 11, 1990. " http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html

I have served overseas and in combat. I have had friends killed in combat and in training accidents. I have been on multiple continents, in multiple countries, and I know how bad it can be outside of the United States.

However, the constitution and the ideals that this country were founded on mean more. As MAJ Bryan Zeski said, we don't get to pick and choose what freedoms we protect.

While I find it disgusting, I would not only not interfere, I would be bound by my oath to protect them from those trying to interfere. I may be torn up over what they are doing to my flag, but freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and all of the other freedoms in our constitution are what I swore to defend.

USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the UnitedStates of America - United States Code

Find answers to common and uncommon questions about the United States Flag and its evolution. Information on Flag etiquette and the U.S. Flag Code. Patriotic poems, hymns, and essays.

Response by Brad Kerley made Dec 29 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-12-29T11:05:11-05:00

Doing what is required over what is desired is duty.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 29 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-12-29T11:07:04-05:00

It could be argued that if you save the flag, they'll just go get another flag. Generally, people that stupid are guilty of something else you can get them for without violating their First Amendment right of free speech. Consider Rick Monday's act at Dodgers Stadium. I admired it and the crowd obviously agreed. The nitwits who attempted to burn one in the outfield during the game were trespassing and arrested for that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrV8QPQAhxo

The Greatest Play In Baseball - Rick Monday Saves U.S. Flag

On April 25, 1976 at Dodger Stadium, Rick Monday of the Chicago Cubs, grabbed and secured the American flag from two individuals as they were attempting to b...

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 29 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-12-29T11:07:11-05:00

If you want to stamp on the Flag ot Burn it... First wrap Your self up in it ... saves Me the trouble of having to do it...

Response by TSgt Denise Moody made Jan 1 at 2017 3:35 PM

2017-01-01T15:35:11-05:00

I would ask why. And if I agreed with the sentiment I would stand straight and watch. If I didn't agree with the sentiment I would move on. As long as they aren't breaking any laws they have a right to do that which others abhor. That is what we took the oath to protect. If you can't protect that right you have no business in a uniform.