How far would you go to stop desecration of the US Flag? Would you risk being arrested? Violence? Jail time?

SSG Ronald Williams — Sun, 03 May 2015 11:22:57 -0400

How far would you go to protect the Flag from desecration?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 11:24 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 11:24:30 -0400

Tough call but its infuriating to see this and your freedom of expression doesn't cover destroying the flag!

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 3 at 2015 11:45 AM

TSgt Christopher D. — Sun, 03 May 2015 11:45:41 -0400

I will not, in any way, shape or form violate a citizen's right to free speech and expression. If you don't love free speech for those that say things you disagree with, you do not love free speech.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 11:47 AM

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 11:47:23 -0400

Unfortunately, it's their constitutional right to do so; no matter how disgusting and distasteful I find it.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 11:47 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 11:47:34 -0400

I absolutely abhor people desecrating to flag. BUT, our supreme court has said that this is a freedom of speech issue and that it is legal.

That said, if we honor our oath what choice do we have?

Response by SSG Ronald Williams made May 3 at 2015 11:50 AM

SSG Ronald Williams — Sun, 03 May 2015 11:50:14 -0400

There is a law on the books against it: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/700

18 U.S. Code § 700 - Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties | US Law | LII /...

For information regarding constitutionality of this section as amended by Pub. L. 101–131, see Congressional Research Service, The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation, Appendix 1, Acts of Congress Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 3 at 2015 12:23 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 03 May 2015 12:23:00 -0400

Remembering that we as service members all swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, I believe this, sadly, falls under the category of freedom of speech guaranteed by the 1st amendment.

That being said I would go with option 3 recover the Flag by force if necessary without injuring anyone intentionally. Others may feel differently, and that is their choice, but this is our Nations Standard and should be revered by our citizenry.

So much for my .02
C.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made May 3 at 2015 12:29 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sun, 03 May 2015 12:29:16 -0400

While I support anyone's 1st Amendment rights....

I would have to call out their stupidity in stomping on the very symbol that represents their ability to do what they are doing. Not only that, but the very symbol that gives them the ability to actually make something of themselves. All it takes is a little effort. Just ask any immigrant (legal or illegal) who came to America with little more than the clothes on their back and a dream in their head.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 3 at 2015 12:44 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 03 May 2015 12:44:34 -0400

SSG Ronald Williams, this guy went the whole route to stop desecration of Old Glory!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3HVaC_czx4

US Veteran Cuts Down Mexican and American Flags with knife in front of TV Crew

US Veteran Jim Brossard responded to a Mexican business disrespecting the American flag by cutting the flags down and taking the American flag home with him....

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 3 at 2015 1:45 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 03 May 2015 13:45:36 -0400

Interesting. The sad part is the Incident/Article that I think this is in response too. The "Lady" "Protecting" the Flag it later pops up of a Nude Picture of her covering her Privates with the Flag.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 3 at 2015 2:10 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Sun, 03 May 2015 14:10:22 -0400

It is easier to say what I would not do...I would not injure anyone except in defense. Additionally, pity the person who is willing to use violence in defense to defame our flag.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 3 at 2015 7:29 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 03 May 2015 19:29:30 -0400

I'll choose other. I'd take an epic beating if I could get to show the depths of how this affects the veterans. I'm talking coma epic. I would keep my hands behind my back and dive on top of the flag to protect it and let them stomp me into the earth.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 7:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 19:34:46 -0400

I hate to see something like that, but they have a right to express themselves. Also, that's not saying they may be followed and get the message that it's not safe to do that, as they stare at my aluminum bat.

Response by SSgt Michael Orcutt made May 3 at 2015 7:41 PM

SSgt Michael Orcutt — Sun, 03 May 2015 19:41:29 -0400

I would intervene and recover the flag. I WILL NOT stand by letting someone disrespect somthing my brothers and sisters have paid the ultimate price for.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 3 at 2015 7:47 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 03 May 2015 19:47:13 -0400

There's no point in getting involved with idiots mainly because the constitution guarantees their right to be idiots and the law will be on their side if you try to take the flag they are desecrating. Going to jail will serve no purpose and make no statement, regardless of how disgusting it is to watch these atrocities.

Desecrating the flag is not an unlawful act so the police can do nothing.

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made May 3 at 2015 8:25 PM

SPC Michael Frugoli — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:25:12 -0400

It is not a crime to treat the flag that way even though we don't like it. Using force or violence is never an acceptable solution to any problem as shown time and time again. I think id take a shot at getting the flag. Just up and taking it. Police cant do anything. Disorderly conduct maybe a bit much..

Response by SPC David S. made May 3 at 2015 8:27 PM

SPC David S. — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:27:09 -0400

I know that individuals have a right to protest and voice their objections and are protected under the 2nd amendment. However as the Flag Desecration Amendment was last voted on in 2006 I think its time that this debate is revisited and I feel a little attention would help in putting the spotlight on protecting the liberty represented in the flag as a national symbol.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 3 at 2015 8:55 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:55:29 -0400

I'm conflicted on the subject. I disagree with dishonoring the flag in any form, but, a part of me says that the freedom, the fool stepping on the flag or burning it takes part in, can only exist due to the sacrifices of military members and therefore that fool is unwittingly honoring the service. If I saw someone burning or stepping on a flag I'd be put off by it and I'd tune out whatever message they are trying to make. I think the US Code would be a nightmare to enforce and apparently has failed in enforcement in the past. I say shame them by throwing in their face how they only have the rights they have because of those that died/sacrificed for that flag.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 9:00 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 21:00:05 -0400

My answer to the question was what I would do based on the follow on results of that action. If I had free reign I would result to whatever means to protect the sanctity of The Red, White, and Blue.

Response by SSG Arnie Jones made May 3 at 2015 11:27 PM

SSG Arnie Jones — Sun, 03 May 2015 23:27:08 -0400

I believe the American Flag should be properly disposed of once it has been desecrated.. Fox News has coverage..
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/09/18/protester-dies-after-inhaling-fumes-from-burning-american-flag/

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 6:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:53:55 -0400

Yes you have the freedom of speech, but what you forget is I have the right to defend my country, and flag. BTW if you do not like it you can leave. That's the basis of the freedoms that we fight, and die to defend.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made May 5 at 2015 1:53 AM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Tue, 05 May 2015 01:53:39 -0400

I never swore to support and defend the flag, but rather the Constitution. Free speech trumps symbology.

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 5 at 2015 2:10 AM

CPL Jay Freeman — Tue, 05 May 2015 02:10:25 -0400

The injured person part would be if they tried to stop me from retrieving the flag or if they try to take it back. By the way I would have it all tapped

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 5 at 2015 2:23 AM

CPL Jay Freeman — Tue, 05 May 2015 02:23:59 -0400

Make the damn president flag available to tromp on and f up but not our American flag hell even state flags but not the flag we all fight for. And for the pacifist in this group think of something dear to you and ask your self how you would feel is someone walked on it wiped there back side with it hell if just think of the worst they can do to it if you can stand there and do nothing then you either don't love it or it doesn't hold the same meaning as the flag to me. I had issues with people who protested the war I asked them how peaceful is your resolve if I hit you will you take it and for how long? No one ever said yes they would not hit me back I asked how is it different then the war we are fighting I asked if they would stand by while I had my way with there wife again I got a no they would fight me my response was then it's war we are standing up for the weak. I spent a year in Iraq and learned a lot we may have said he had weapons of mass destruction but we found none and had we helped rebuild that country our job would have been done

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 3:02 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:02:29 -0400

I deployed twice to combat for the idiots right to do it. It's my right not to watch.

Response by SPC Tony Bucaro made Jul 24 at 2015 2:27 PM

SPC Tony Bucaro — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 14:27:51 -0400

I'm an old school Infantry Soldier and this is how I see it ..... I signed a blank check with my life to defend the flag and this great nation. I lost brothers and sisters who died defending this flag and this nation. If I was so willing to give my life for it for 8 years, kicking the shit out of someone for desecration of the flag and going to JAIL would be a piece of cake!!!

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jul 24 at 2015 2:34 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 14:34:23 -0400

I do not like it when I see people using the flag in any manner inconsistent than the manner it was designed, but as a Vet, I swore that I would uphold the Constitution; even when I don't agree with the situation. With that said, its equally bad when someone stomps on a flag(which I don't like) uses the flag as a way of covering nudity (as seen with the AF TSgt who was in playboy, yet got in a scuffle with demonstrators over the flag), or the Marine who was in uniform holding the flag upside down to show a nation in distress. (He was not active when this was done). I damn sure am not going to go to jail over it. What would that solve, how would I pay my bills when I loose everything while in jail? And how stupid would that make the Vet community look to the "regular" folks who've never served or are thinking about joining? "Ohh those servicemembers are a bunch of loony's, or that's why I didn't join". I'd want the public to see us for what we are and that's a bunch of determined "Git er Done" at all costs, intelligent, thoughtful, and resilient individuals who do still care about our nation (maybe too much).