I have been hearing lately in the news that burning the American flag is considered a form of free speech. Really? What has this act have to do with free speech? As I understand this American right, it is related to what we have to say, not what we do. When we hurt others with our actions, then, in my opinion, we have violated that right.
Thousands of Americans have died to defend our flag and our country, and to burn an American flag as a sign of protest to how our country is run is a slap in the face of those thousands who gave their lives for our freedom. As a retired military member, and a life-long member of the Boy Scouts of America, I have always believed that our flag represents the very freedoms we enjoy and we should treat the flag with dignity and respect, not only for our great country, but for those who gave their lives to help keep us free.
We should all appreciate our freedom and thank God for what we have in this country. We may not like some things that our government does or some laws that have been passed and we certainly have the right to stand up for what we believe in, but burning the American flag must be reserved only for proper, respectful retirement when a flag is no longer suitable for display.
Bob Brock
Marysville
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