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To: Solon who wrote (20273)	8/27/2002 6:10:44 PM
From: one_less	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 21057

"If the people are forcibly constrained from expressing their opinions, then the Constitution no longer rests on the authority of the people...but rather...on the authority of the people with the most guns. All dictatorships begin by muzzling all criticism or symbolic actions against the governing rulers. But in America, the people rule. So if they wish to criticize the government, or the symbols of the government, they may do so. And they are the first line of defense against fascism and dictatorship which will one day visit these United States..." Ah and this is where we have a communication break down. What opinion are we refering to. People don't burn the flag because they think green is prettier than red, white, and blue or that it should have a dove emblem instead of stars. It is not an appropriate criticism of government action. I have protested many government actions myself. The only opinion that we are not tolerant of is one that advocates a dismantling or overthrowing of the government. That is refered to as treason. The flag is representative of the laws and liberties authorized by our government. When you conquer a nation you take down their flag and raise your own. To take down the American flag by burning it is not simply expressing your criticism of some government action or representative it is advocating an over throw of America....treason. Tell me what opinion is being constrained other than a treasonous one...Karen has explained that people become so frustrated that they go to an extreme to draw attention to their view point that was not being heard. Ok, this is the justification of many a murderer. In this case, where is the line over which a crime has been perpetrated that constitutes Treason. No one on this thread has cared to define that...'cept me.