Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

berniesandersmittens

(12,402 posts)
Mon Aug 25, 2025, 10:25 PM Aug 25

"If I were king, I would not allow people to go around burning the American flag"

"If I were king, I would not allow people to go around burning the American flag," he said. "However, we have a First Amendment, which says that the right of free speech shall not be abridged — and it is addressed in particular to speech critical of the government. That was the main kind of speech that tyrants would seek to suppress."

-Antonin Scalia, 2012


https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-flag-burning-executive-order/

Bolding mine

Edit for grammar and to add: NO KINGS

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
"If I were king, I would not allow people to go around burning the American flag" (Original Post) berniesandersmittens Aug 25 OP
This issue is complete astro turfing. Frasier Balzov Aug 25 #1
It's a power move from the wannabe king berniesandersmittens Aug 25 #4
Today's misdirection dumpster fire. Klarkashton Aug 25 #2
Flag burning is so rare, I bet it is Ilsa Aug 25 #3
Prominent Democratic politicians supported a ban at one time. Hassin Bin Sober Aug 25 #5
I don't want to see the flag burn either. Ilsa Aug 25 #7
Do you know how hard it is to burn cotton without gasoline? rickyhall Aug 25 #6
If I were king I wouldn't let snake-oil-salesmen use it as a prop. UTUSN Aug 25 #8

berniesandersmittens

(12,402 posts)
4. It's a power move from the wannabe king
Mon Aug 25, 2025, 10:38 PM
Aug 25

He wants so badly to issue martial law. He's instigating unrest with every action he takes.

Ilsa

(63,192 posts)
3. Flag burning is so rare, I bet it is
Mon Aug 25, 2025, 10:34 PM
Aug 25

done mostly by Boy Scouts and veterans organizations when ragged, faded flags are turned in for ceremonial and respectful destruction.

Hassin Bin Sober

(27,223 posts)
5. Prominent Democratic politicians supported a ban at one time.
Mon Aug 25, 2025, 10:50 PM
Aug 25
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Protection_Act_of_2005

The Flag Protection Act of 2005 was a proposed United States federal law introduced in the United States Senate at the 109th United States Congress on October 24, 2005, by Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah) and co-sponsored by Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.). Later co-sponsors included Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Thomas Carper (D-Del.).[1]

Ilsa

(63,192 posts)
7. I don't want to see the flag burn either.
Mon Aug 25, 2025, 10:53 PM
Aug 25

But I agree with the SCOTUS decision that it is protected speech.

rickyhall

(5,483 posts)
6. Do you know how hard it is to burn cotton without gasoline?
Mon Aug 25, 2025, 10:53 PM
Aug 25

Of course, there's plastic flags but they hardly count.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»"If I were king, I would ...