Why Trump's Tweets On Flag Burning Are A Huge Problem
Start writing a post
Politics

Why Trump's Tweets On Flag Burning Are A Huge Problem

No matter how you feel about flag burning, a president who's willing to disregard the constitution is a far bigger threat to liberty.

7
Why Trump's Tweets On Flag Burning Are A Huge Problem
Alpha Coders

On November 29th, President-Elect Donald Trump quite randomly tweeted: "Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag-- if they do, there must be consequences-- perhaps the loss of citizenship or a year in jail!"

Naturally, the internet erupted... As it always seems to do when Trump tweets.

But there's good cause for concern.

However one feels about the American flag, one cannot deny that flag burning falls under the jurisdiction of freedom of expression—and is therefore protected by the 1st Amendment.

The late conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was able to put aside his personal feelings about flag burning and uphold the Constitution, in the 1989 case of Texas v. Johnson.

He later said in 2012, “If I were king, I wouldn’t go about letting people burn the American flag. 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. I mean, that was the main kind of speech that tyrants would seek to suppress.” Scalia also made a similar statement three years later, saying, “If it were up to me, I would put in jail every sandal-wearing, scruffy-bearded weirdo who burns the American flag. But I am not king."

Scalia had the ability to separate himself from his work and do his job—defend the Constitution, the single most important document in American politics. If Trump's tweets are any indication, he has no interest in protecting the Constitution, something people on both sides should be afraid of. Hopefully, Mr. Trump will have a change of heart, but as of right now, he looks to be dangerously authoritarian... Which is the direction America has been heading, but in a far more subtle, less intense way.

I'd like to say it nihilistically amuses me to see people who previously couldn't care less freaking out, but the President-Elect showing such a disregard for freedom of expression is frightening.

Because, no matter how you feel about flag burning, a President who's willing to disregard the First Amendment is a far bigger threat to liberty.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

87899
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

54320
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments