Trump: Flag Burners Are ‘Lowlifes’ and Should be Punished (They Shouldn’t)

During the protests erupting across the nation after George Floyd’s killing, violence and property destruction have occurred.  Also, some flag burning.  For example, on June 23rd, protestors strung an American flag to a traffic light pole in Lafayette Park and set it ablaze. 

Violence and property destruction are illegal.  However, flag burning is protected by the First Amendment.

Donald Trump used to know and respect that difference.  On January 8, 2015, Trump appeared on David Letterman as a candidate for President of the United States. 

Letterman spoke of how one reason he is proud to be an American is because of our rights to protest. “If that’s how you feel, go ahead and burn the flag. Because this country is far greater than that symbol, and that symbol is standing for freedom of expression.”

Trump responded by saying, “Sure. You’re 100 percent right, I understand where you’re coming from. It’s terrific.”

But as President, he’s dramatically changed his tune.  In November 2016 he tweeted, “Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag – if they do, there must be consequences – perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!” 

In 2019, two republican Senators proposed that a new amendment be added to the constitution that would make flag burning illegal. Trump said he would “100%” back that, calling it a “no brainer.” 

And then this week, he took to twitter to say that Congress needs to, “do something about the lowlifes that burn the flag.” 

This is 100% the wrong message for Republicans and the President of the United States.  Really, no American should support this infringement on our rights.  When peaceful protest is banned (or mocked or otherwise stigmatized), it makes violent protest more inevitable.

Personally, I think flag burning is reprehensible. 

But we should not outlaw it.

We should loudly proclaim it’s horrible, instead of trying to ban it. Meet free bad speech with free good speech.

Freedom of speech is the FIRST amendment. Once you take that away from the country, the flag no longer stands for what it once did. 

There is a silver lining.  President Trump’s position is likely popular with the base, but outlawing flag burning won’t happen. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that burning the flag is protected under the First Amendment. 

The country has far bigger problems to deal with right now. 

Here’s an idea.  If we conservatives say we want peaceful protest, we shouldn’t threaten to put people in jail for doing just that.

Hat Tip: LA Times, Fox News

Image Credit: Wikimedia