Whitney Henry

Civics
Mr. Balzer
March 5 2014
American Flag
The United States congress should not pass an amendment that bans the burning of the
American flag. I believe that it would create controversy in our world, and it may even offend
some people that live in the United States but are not for the United States.
In 1989-1990 A flag protection act was passed, and several people were angered with this
new law and burned flags in protest. I believe that today it would still create controversy, and
offend people. If back then it created as many problems as it did such as people burning the flag,
and protesting then I feel it could still do that today because everyone has their own dissenting
opinion, and some people would not be for the amendment.
Burning the flag is almost an act of vandalism, and it is protected by free speech as some
people would say. This type of protest could perhaps be done in a different way such as a written
letter or even some type of media. I believe that if congress passed an amendment that banned
the burning of the American flag that many disputes would arise. Not everyone has the same
point of views and some would agree to pass this amendment and others would disagree.
Flag burning is the total opposite of a rational debate. Free speech allows values of
different ideas to be expressed but not in a harmful or cruel way. Free speech is discussed
publicly and it can be rejected, or accepted depending on how the majority of people decide. For
people that fight for our country or for people that have family in the war they might be the type
of people to want to pass this amendment, but again not everyone would be in favor for this
amendment. I do believe that it is a cruel act to burn the flag but only more acts like this will
occur if we do pass an amendment that bans the burning of the flag and so I believe that we
should not for the sake of our country.
Whitney Henry
Civics
Mr. Balzer
March 5 2014
I believe that for the common good everyone should understand why it should not be
passed for such reasons as it will create controversy, and it will offend some people. There are
reasons to as why it could be passed but I think that the reasons why it should not are greater
than the reasons why it could be. Burning the flag would be the total opposite of showing
patriotism, and this is why it would be offensive to some. Usually the country you live in you
support and would do most anything for and when people that live in your country would act the
total opposite it would almost hurt in a way. Some will agree for this amendment, and some will
also disagree so it depends on whether or not you would like peace or controversy.
Some people may say that the United States should pass an amendment that bans the
burning of the American flag because the first amendment protects both verbal and symbolic
speech. Protesting and burning the flag is a way for people to show their true feelings, beliefs,
and how angered they are.
Symbolic speech may protect symbolism in some cases, but things such as burning the
flag is not a very ideal way and it is an act of vandalism. The United States does not need more
controversy when there are already such big issues to worry about. People will agree to disagree
in this type of controversy. I believe that the United States congress should not pass an
amendment that bans the burning of the American flag. I say this because I believe we have more
peace now then we would if that amendment was passed.