How do we as Service members respond to this new challenge of stomping on "Old Glory?"

2015-05-02T09:00:13-04:00

As what I consider a symbol of Freedom and that I fight for everyday; I find it very difficult to understand why people in this country do these kinds of things.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-05-02T09:02:14-04:00

Seems to me that it's best to just ignore the ignorance.

People are free to protest as they wish. Nothing good will come from getting angry or responding with negativity.

We serve to protect that right, whether we like it or not.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 9:04 AM

2015-05-02T09:04:07-04:00

Educate them, and resist the urge to stomp on them!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-05-02T10:00:03-04:00

Sir people have been throwing tantrums with the flag forever, this isn't new. Nothing needs done about it, many other things are more important.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 2 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-05-02T10:19:15-04:00

Be happy that the freedom to do so still exists and move on... Censorship is a ball that, once rolling, rolls faster and faster, gaining momentum. Censor one thing you don't like, whose to say your particular stance isn't next?

Response by SrA Jamie Kennedy (Fox) made May 2 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-05-02T10:56:38-04:00

There is a difference between free speech and desecration. They have the right to free speech but not to desecration. it is time for our goverment to stand up for our country. Don't put yourself in a situation to get arrested but uphold the laws of the land.

according to 18 US Code 700 Desecration of the flag.
(a)
(1) Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(2) This subsection does not prohibit any conduct consisting of the disposal of a flag when it has become worn or soiled.
(b) As used in this section, the term “flag of the United States” means any flag of the United States, or any part thereof, made of any substance, of any size, in a form that is commonly displayed.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as indicating an intent on the part of Congress to deprive any State, territory, possession, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico of jurisdiction over any offense over which it would have jurisdiction in the absence of this section.
(d)
(1) An appeal may be taken directly to the Supreme Court of the United States from any interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order issued by a United States district court ruling upon the constitutionality of subsection (a).
(2) The Supreme Court shall, if it has not previously ruled on the question, accept jurisdiction over the appeal and advance on the docket and expedite to the greatest extent possible.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 2 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-05-02T11:59:46-04:00

Major,

We went thru it in the 60s I didn't like it then or now. Why disrespect a country that gives you the right to disrespect it's flag?

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 3 at 2015 5:42 AM

2015-05-03T05:42:45-04:00

I think my feelings reflect the majority of others. While it pisses me off to no end, those "protestors" are lucky to be living in America where they have that right.

Then I smile and laugh because I know I'm going home to my nice house and beautiful family that I never would have been able to get had it not been for my military service.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-05-29T10:06:23-04:00

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.