What is your opinion on the STOMP the U.S. Flag challenge that is going around?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 09:46:20 -0400

This is a humiliating challenge that someone who calls themself an Amercan came up with. I know that there is a challenge going around for people to stomp on the American Flag as an exercise of there freedom of speech. I promise that if you exercise your right to stomp on my countries flag to exercise your rights well then I will exercise my right to whoop your ass as a defense to my Countries liberties. Sorry for cursing. Enough said.

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Response by SFC Stephen King made May 4 at 2015 9:49 AM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 04 May 2015 09:49:33 -0400

I am not happy with this movement. Although we fight for all American's freedoms. As I have stated before this trys my resililence.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made May 4 at 2015 9:55 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 04 May 2015 09:55:52 -0400

Very distasteful and disturbing. Very telling on the state of our country... Shameful.

Response by PO2 Johnathan Kerns made May 4 at 2015 10:15 AM

PO2 Johnathan Kerns — Mon, 04 May 2015 10:15:20 -0400

Definitely not something that I agree with but they have every right to do so.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 4 at 2015 10:40 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 04 May 2015 10:40:51 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member, it's shameful, misguided but legal behavior.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 11:17 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:17:31 -0400

This is completely horrible. I don't understand why people would think this would be okay to do. If you don't like the USA just leave.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made May 4 at 2015 11:20 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:20:44 -0400

Clearly, most of us here are appalled by this "challenge," but it is within the individuals' rights to do as they wish.

While penning the constitution of the United States, the founders of our country took a lot of inspiration from European philosphers. Purportedly, this quote:

"I do not agree with a word you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."
Voltaire

influenced the first ammendment. If you consider the wording of this literally, this is a strong statement. To disagree with EVERY word someone says indicates a borderline hatred for what is being said; however the second half of this quote is equally strong. All service members past and present have sworn to protect the country and uphold the constitution to the point of loss of life and limb. That is something that holds true for the things we may disagree with as well as the items we support.

Response by PFC Peter Bohnhof made May 4 at 2015 11:24 AM

PFC Peter Bohnhof — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:24:15 -0400

While I agree that yes, it is legal as well as an ultimate "test" of our God given Liberties, it is beyond reprehensible to do this, as well as very misguided. Yes, this sets us apart from the muzzies that just this weekend shot people in Texas for exercising their rights to draw caricatures of the false prophet. Marching down Main Street in Nazi or KKK regalia is legal as well, but it too is beyond reprehensible, discourteous and disrespectful to Veterans and our fellow Americans of color. The upside is that the fact they are doing this makes it easy to spot the idiots and enemies of our country.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 11:25 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:25:59 -0400

How about stomp the African Flags?

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 4 at 2015 11:27 AM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:27:06 -0400

Here is my opinion: I think they are trying to get attention and that they obtained your's. They are ridiculous. Who are they in my world? Nothing.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 4 at 2015 11:38 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:38:25 -0400

All I can say is you're welcome. If it wasn't for us they would not be able to enjoy the freedom they have to express themselves in this manner. We fought to defend this countries freedoms and to turn away tierney whenever it came our way. Although this is just a flag, it is the most recognizable symbol that the world over knows. I do not agree with their actions because I truly believe that stomping on the American Flag is stomping on all those who fought to defend it and most of all stomping on the 1,000s of Soldiers, Sailos, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who died defending it.

It is a federal crime to kill or even have a feather of a Bald Eagle in your possession. Why not make it a federal crime for this?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 4 at 2015 11:39 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:39:36 -0400

This just illustrates why I am concerned about our country. Deeply concerned. The Roman Empire lasted 500 years. It fell. We won't last 300 if something doesn't change soon.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 12:08 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 12:08:04 -0400

If we simply do not react, do not provide the stage, what would these folks gain?

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made May 4 at 2015 12:38 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Mon, 04 May 2015 12:38:00 -0400

If a person feels the need to resort to violence against someone else (not a Constitutional right) because that person is exercising their right to free speech (which IS Constitutionally protected), they are 100% wrong and are completely contrary to the values of the Constitution.

I replied to a similar post earlier, and I try to be efficient, so...

We don't swear to protect the flag. We don't swear to protect the government. We swear to protect the Constitution. We swear to support and the defend the right of every person to exercise their right to free speech. Protest against the government (including through desecration of the flag) is, without question, the right of the people. At the end of the day, the flag is just cloth, it is a SYMBOL of the freedom we serve to protect and defend. While people may desecrate the cloth flag, they are exercising their rights to free speech - and their right to free speech is what we defend - not a flag. I'm not willing to lay down my life from a flag - I'm willing to lay down my life for the freedoms that the flag symbolizes.

It may not look right or feel right and it may hurt your feelings, but you have to accept that THIS is EXACTLY what we need to be defending the right to do.

Voltaire said something to the affect of, "I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." That is our job. That is our mission. And the fact that people CAN do this freely and without being dragged about by the government or arrested by the police means that, for now, we are doing our job.

Response by SPC David S. made May 4 at 2015 1:00 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:00:59 -0400

What I don't under stand in the recent VSU case is how this is not being prosecuted as Georgia has a law that makes this illegal. It goes further to protect the state flag as well as the Confederate States flag. According to this website some 47 other states have state laws for such acts. Seems like the states needs to force this issue and start charging people. Just because the Fed isn't going to stop it doesn't mean the states can't. I say challenge the Supreme Court ruling in forcing them in defining the difference what is speech and what is action. Exercising my right to free speech in saying I'm going to rob a bank is not the same right in actually robbing the bank. This can be applied the same way I feel in such cases.

The State of Georgia prohibits anyone from mutilating, defacing, defiling, or abusing contemptuously the U.S. flag, the Georgia state flag or the flag of the Confederate States of America. The law also forbids the use of such flags for advertising or publicity purposes. [Ga. Code Ann. Sec. 50-3-8 and 50-3-9]

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/state-flag-protection-laws

State flag-protection laws | First Amendment Center – news, commentary, analysis on free speech,...

Although the U.S. Supreme Court has twice invalidated state flag laws, 47 states still have on the books laws, many modeled after the Uniform Flag Law of 1917, that prohibit the desecration of the flag or its use for advertising and publicity purposes.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 4 at 2015 1:09 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:09:30 -0400

Notice no one in the oval office or congress is coming out and asking people to please refrain from these overt acts - oh yeah that would be asking someone to stop exercising their their constitutional rights and we can't do that, especially with an election coming up...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 4 at 2015 1:13 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:13:14 -0400

Overly idiotic people exercising their free speech and unfortunately not a damned thing we can do about it, much as we want to.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 2:22 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 14:22:49 -0400

I like this!

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 4 at 2015 2:23 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Mon, 04 May 2015 14:23:56 -0400

Since this is about the 7th or 8th thread on this subject, I have run out of comments. It's plain wrong, what else can be said.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 4 at 2015 2:31 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 04 May 2015 14:31:48 -0400

That is why we are the 1%. We are the "outsiders" who choose selfless service over lip service and pride over profit. I believe that the Supreme Court erred on this act being freedom of speech and see it as an overt act of something far more serious in these strange times, but I can't pick and choose which ones I can follow. The same things that make this country great are the things we have defended; this is just a decision I am not proud of. There seem to be more and more of them these days.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 4:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:58:03 -0400

I appreciate all that have commented and posted there views and voted it up. This is very near to my heart as a Soldier and American. I see alot of good points in all comments.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 9:25 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 21:25:51 -0400

It's completely legal and protected "free speech." I still think they're misguided assholes for behaving this way though.

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 4 at 2015 9:41 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Mon, 04 May 2015 21:41:02 -0400

I hate it, but the people doing it are exercising a constitutionally protected form of speech that I swore to uphold and defend. People never really appreciate what they have when they made no sacrifices to enjoy it.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 4 at 2015 10:20 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 04 May 2015 22:20:49 -0400

So I guess its just a piece of material; part cotton, nylon and other man made materials. I defend what it represents which are many things one of which is freedom of expression. Here is a question: how would others take it if I were to stomp and burn a flag of a foreign nation such as Mexico because I think they have a poor track record when it comes to their own immigration laws and methods? Okay, lets take it a bit personal. I want a large picture of Al Sharpton, a known race baiter and stomp on it and burn it. Would be revered at a racist person? The people who are stomping on my colors are saying not to call them patriotic and instead, call them activist for better treatment of people. I am pretty sure the folks would be in an uproar if someone was to do what I suggested.

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made May 4 at 2015 10:40 PM

SGT Michael Touchet — Mon, 04 May 2015 22:40:05 -0400

I find it extremely offensive especially to those of us who have served and continues to serve our country. The individuals participating in this disgusting act are clueless and ignorant as to what it really means to be an American. I worry about my reaction if I were to witness this type of disrespect in person...I surely would need bail money.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 5 at 2015 4:45 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Tue, 05 May 2015 04:45:15 -0400

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/a-sick-new-challenge-is-going-viral-urging-people-to-disrespect-and-stomp-on-the-american-flag

The Professional Military Network | RallyPoint

Find service members and veterans like you, discuss military life, and share professional opportunities on the largest military network.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 10:34 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:34:12 -0400

You are right it is humiliating, and we have all had friends, family, and comrades that have died, or injured protecting what that beautiful flag represents. One of the thing that the flag represents is freedom of speech/assembly. Sure they are ignorant to the fact of our personal losses and often times the losses of others. That being said I would like to see the people explain their actions, I think more and more this is a "state" issue, not an American issue per say. If they are upset with the way their communities/cities/states have handled issues (Baltimore, Fergusson, et al) why not stomp their state's flag instead of old glory? Why not find a better more "civil" way to demonstrate your dis-satisfaction of your governing bodies? I feel like many of these people don't do their due diligence to educate themselves on what they are doing, but go along with the crowd who hasn't educated themselves on the situation (at least not completely). This "challenge" isn't worth the confrontation, as we know how quickly it could escalate and the potential for injury or death because of someone's ignorance should be avoided. It kills me to see this challenge but we are a free people and our youth( even adults) will likely look back and cringe at their actions and have to live with their decisions. And in this time and age those foolish enough to do this and post to social media will likely get the wrath of legions of keyboard warriors and veteran groups. Like they say what comes around, goes around and hopefully those stupid enough to follow blindly on this will one day be on the other side of it. just my .02

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 5 at 2015 11:16 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 05 May 2015 11:16:55 -0400

I've no problem with it. Never in all of recorded human history has anything good ever come from elevating a person, nation etc... above criticism. The day you must blindly worship your nation is the day it's time to flee. That's how atrocities get blind eyes turned to them...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 12:30 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:30:03 -0400

Sorry, free speech is great but some sacred things should be protected. I am afraid I would have to unlock the 52 year old can of whoop ass on these people or be physically restrained. It's not an intellectual process for me.

Response by SPC Kevin Schober made May 6 at 2015 12:33 PM

SPC Kevin Schober — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:33:21 -0400

One of the great things about our Country is no one makes you stay if you want to leave so IMHO if they want to disrespect what is considered a symbol of this Country and they dislike it so much then I will be more than happy to help them pack and drive them to the nearest airport and hell I will even shake their hand and give them a big kiss goodbye because we all will be better off without them.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 7 at 2015 8:31 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 07 May 2015 08:31:39 -0400

I think it's just attention whores acting like idiots. I pay no mind to it.

Response by PO2 Levi Chambers made May 7 at 2015 8:44 AM

PO2 Levi Chambers — Thu, 07 May 2015 08:44:29 -0400

This is outrageous, I believe that if the military came out with an ad about what our flag means, then what it means to service members across the military. Perhaps that would help change this stupid trend

Response by PFC Jacob Brunette made May 7 at 2015 9:04 AM

PFC Jacob Brunette — Thu, 07 May 2015 09:04:05 -0400

My thoughts on the desecration of the United States Flag..... this is a country free and proud, because men and women fought and died to make it that way. these men and women fought,lived, and died holding our nations flag as not only a symbol of freedom, but of hope, justice, equality and strength. These are only a few of the many things that the Red, White and Blue stand for to our nation. Our veterans will die to keep her from touching the ground, people flock from all over the world to catch even a glimpse of the hope that she holds within her stars and stripes. Nations Turn and depart battlefields when they see her coming. So If you are one of the few who does not desire to be a part of the nation that was built upon a foundation of life liberty and justice, or if you choose to destroy and desecrate the symbol of freedom, hope, justice, equality and strength. Then please leave this great nation. because if I see you Desecrating my nations flag, I will make sure you are incapable of wiping your own ass ever again. That is a promise. God Bless The United States of America.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 9:34 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 09:34:10 -0400

If you ask me we should just kick them out of this country. Grown up in europe I am used to some things to be a hell of a lot different in the states, and some of these things really annoy me, but I would never ever stomp on the flag of the country was born in. Thats just straight disrespectfull! Nobody forces these people to live in the states! If they hate to be here so bad they can go where ever they want!

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made May 7 at 2015 12:45 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:45:29 -0400

They hate the flag and America, but have no problem using student loans, go figure

Response by SrA Diego Alvarez made May 7 at 2015 2:59 PM

SrA Diego Alvarez — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:59:23 -0400

I would gladly donate a one way ticket to a third world country of their choosing.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 7 at 2015 4:00 PM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:00:21 -0400

I personally see it as a disrespectful act towards to all citizens and does a dishonor to those that have fought for those very freedoms they use to do this. However, I also know that they have the right to do it regardless of my own personal opinion and have fought for their rights as well as my own..

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made May 7 at 2015 5:47 PM

1SG Jason Smith — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:47:01 -0400

When i was a kid way back when we said the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. It was at home and in school that I first learned to respect the flag of the country that I love. I spent 24 plus years defending freedom and yes seeing people stomping on my flag truly hurts my eyes and heart. Then I think about the 1,309,000+ Military service men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country's freedom in times or war. That is what OUR flag represents, The sacrifice of life for the freedoms of another. Because the minute we tell them they cant we have taken away the same freedom we chose to defend

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 11:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 23:45:01 -0400

Not to be the guy that quotes code... And please let me know if I'm outdated/ missing something... Title 18 USC, Part 1, Chapter 33, Section 700: "Whoever knowingly casts contempt upon any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both." My personal opinion: it's wrong. But we, the men and woman on the wall, have to not become emotionally drawn in and act out of anger. We have to be the better citizen and carefully explain to these kids that they need to remove their heads from their fourth point of contact.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 2:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 14:24:29 -0400

Got to get one of these.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 10:04 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:04:56 -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

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 9 at 2015 4:24 AM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 04:24:16 -0400

I've noticed that all of these Internet tough guy flag stompers only do it/film it around their "brethren."

If they had real balls they'd do it in front of the main gate of a major military base when people are leaving for the day.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 7:18 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 07:18:59 -0400

Well...I don't like the movement. I think it's a bit childish, and if you were to talk to someone issuing the challenge, I don't think they would be able to articulate what, exactly, they are protesting...much like Occupy Wall Street.

That said...the first amendment isn't there to protect popular speech. At the end of the day, the flag they are stomping on is just a piece of fabric. Someone stomping on it doesn't do any actual harm to the ideas and values the flag represents.

So, while it makes me a little angry, and more sad than anything...I just do my best to not seek out these videos or pictures and try to give them as little exposure as I can. The more you post the videos, even to express your outrage, the more attention you are giving them.

Response by PVT Drumcat Fano made Mar 21 at 2016 6:28 PM

PVT Drumcat Fano — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 18:28:32 -0400

Please do something to people who do such a horrible act to this country.Our Military fight for our freedom and that flag represents that fight for our Freedom.Please charge these people a $1000 everytime they do such a thing.3 times makes jail for 30 to 60 days.We have to show these ignorant people who have no respect for a;ll the lives lost for Fighting for our Freedom.This flag that I am proud to display should be shielded somehow.As soon as possible.They are stomping on the flag on facebook.Stop it NOW