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Originally Posted by Raptor226
There's a difference between a flag-print sticker and an actual flag. The flag is a symbol of patriotism for the country, and destroying it (except in certain circumstances where the flag is damaged beyond repair) is equivalent to stating your hatred for a country - equivalent to treason.
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Wait a second...
The flag is the symbol of freedom for those of us who are Americans. Maybe even for some who aren't.
One of the freedoms most prized by Americans is freedom of speech. Typically (although evidently not the case here) burning the flag is an expression of protest. You would make it a criminal act to express yourself freely by burning the symbol of that freedom? That seems self-contradictory.
This kid got drunk and destroyed property. Flag burning really isn't the issue in his case.
As a decorated combat veteran (who fought for that freedom) I would have to say that the fact that we can burn the flag strengthens the freedom it represents.