Fire that flag up, buddy
I tend to be a first and second amendment absolutist. This flag burning bullshit is just that, bullshit.
Let people burn the flag if they please.
Now, let me tell you what i think of free speech.
Freedom of speech has NEVER meant freedom from consequences. As the dippy shits found out, shooting off your mouth can fuck things up for you.
Here’s the thing: Not so many years ago, in this very country, if you made a pass at another man’s wife, if you burned the flag, if you disrespected someone, if you mistreated a lady in public, you were subject to get an asswhipping. People tended to be polite, and treat one another with respect, because there was a fair chance they’d get popped in the nose if they didn’t. And as often as not, that settled the affair, right there. Sure, there were exceptions. Sure, a lynch mob is not a good thing. But Civility causes it’s share of problems. I’m not happy about being civil to people who disrespect me, or my rights, or the flag. I AM civil, because the alternative is a criminal record. I’m not happy that there is no code of gentlemen, anymore. The idea that a man would face up to his own faults after being shown the error of his ways at the end of someone’s fist, and move on somewhat better for it. The idea that actions have consequences.
No, I don’t want to make it illegal to burn the flag. I really don’t. I’d sure like to make it legal to pop someone in the head when they do, though. Put the consequences back into the action.
Me too. I believe in that freedom of speech thing a bit too much.
On the other hand, I bet the cops can’t show up fast enough the save the guy burning the flag if I catch them at it.
Looks like we all win.
Also looks like palestine and hamas went and signed off on their own death warrants tonight when they killed that kid.
I hope the IDF burns down Gaza.
I think you pretty much nailed it, Og. My wife and I were talking about it last night in regards to the fact that the Dixie Chicks have been having to cancel tour dates – something like 42 of them so far. To them and their friends in the media, they’re being censored, blackballed and their First Amendment rights are being violated.
The fact that there is no consequence to any breach of civility makes a huge difference, and not for the better. When I was in high school, those of us on the football team were expected to act responsibly and keep well groomed. Why? Because, our head coach explained with a drawl, “if you all act like dogs, pretty soon the whole school will be barkin’.” Funny how that concept sounds so quaint and old fashioned now. It really wasn’t that long ago.
By the way, it’s not just the criminal justice system you have to worry about anymore; it’s the civil courts. Punch a guy now, no matter how badly he’s got it coming, and you’ll have a criminal record and give up the keys to your castle and everything you own.
Here in Alabama, a gas station attendant shot a man that was driving off without paying for gas and now the gas station attendant is facing charges. And although as far as the law is concerned, the man used deadly force when none was needed, there is something sickening about how the local media is wanting sympathy for the man who tried to break the law in the first place and basically got himself into the whole mess…you know what I mean??
Absolutely correct Og.
‘Nuff said.
I challenge you to a dual.
Or is it duel? Whatever.