It Is Not Theirs To Burn

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands...

For many living in this country, these words are as familiar as their own name. From a time not too far removed from the present day, these words were recited by every school-aged child from the 1st grade to the 12th grade. Perhaps the blind recitation is to blame for the apparent misunderstanding of the words themselves? The last word in the above quote, stands, is the clue and the answer to the rather chaotic turmoil surrounding the issue of "flag burning" in this country.

The issue should not be over a consititutional amendment protecting the flag. The real issue is recognizing the true properties of the flag as well its rightful owners.

As the Pledge of Allegiance states, the flag stands for the republic of this country. By definition, explicit and implicit, the flag then becomes a symbol. As a symbol, the flag takes its place beside the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, and all other physical entities which represent and symbolize freedom in this country or the country itself.

One might argue how being allowed to burn the flag is an exercize of one's right to free speech and expression. One might indeed argue that position, but it is a very shallow arguement. When one assumes ownership of an item, it is likewise assumed that item explicitly belongs to the owner. That is not and cannot be the case with the flag. As a symbol, the Statue of Liberty does not merely belong to the people of the State of New York or New Jersey. It belongs to the entire country. Likewise, the Liberty Bell does not belong solely to the citizens of Philadelphia or Pennsylvania, it belongs to the citizens of the United States. The very same conclusion is reached when discussing the flag. The flag belongs to the people of this nation, not to any one particular person. It can safely be said that we all have the capacity to own a replica of the flag, just as much as any other symbol. However, a degree of responsibility goes with the assumed ownership. If I own a replica of the flag, I have the responsibility of caring for it in a proper and respectful manner. If I were the caretaker of a cemetary, the same holds true - care for it properly and respectfully.

There are most assuredly times when a replica of the flag should be replaced with a newer one. At that time, then yes, the "old" flag is subject to being burned as a matter of proper disposal. However, there is nothing "proper" nor "respectful" about burning the flag as a matter of protest. There is and should be a dramatic difference between protesting against the government and protesting against the country. A protest against the government is not only allowed, but historically encouraged. On the other hand, a protest against the country amounts to a protest against its people. That manner of protest is reserved for peoples of other nations, specifically when attempting to incite a call to arms against our own.

When one stops to consider the stature and significance of the flag of the United States, one can't help but reflect on the many examples of inspiration surrounding our flag. John Philip Sousa composed the memorable and equally moving Stars and Stripes Forever and Francis Scott Key wrote our own National Anthem through the inspiration of viewing our flag. Where would the inspiration have come from had the authors witnessed the flag being burned in protest by its own citizens?

Those items which represent the beliefs and standards of this country, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, our Flag and countless others, are not subject to individual ownership. They are physical entities which represent certain aspects and beliefs of our nation. They may be touched, they may be held, they may even be coveted, but they cannot be individually owned. Simply stated, our Flag should not be relegated to such a low position that citizens of this country have a right to burn it.