Flag Burning

coldstream

on dbl secret probation
Oct 19, 2005
5,160
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Chillliwack, BC
The proper way to dispose of a worn flag is by burning... rather than say throwing it in the trash.. or using it to mend your jeans. So by banning flag burning what you are really banning in the political statement behind a public flag burning. Essentially it is a 'thought' crime.. and like all crimes that criminalize 'intent' (including 'hate' crimes) they are an affront to true freedom of expression.. and ultimately a far bigger statement of a lack of patriotism than any insignificant symbolic nonsense.
 
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spaminator

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 26, 2009
40,053
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I'm not going to bother with a poll. I am really asking a simple question. Do you support the individuals right to burn a flag?

I have never burned a Canadian Flag, I have flown it upside down in protest though. I used to be adamantly opposed to the idea of burning our national emblem, but now I have a different perspective. Today, folks are doing back flips over the burning of symbols that represent something to them. Example, the Koran or the Bible. When in fact, these items, although bearing the burden of faith or patriotism are simply inanimate objects. If you burn the Holy Bible or the Koran that act should not shake the faith of the faithful. That's not to say it doesn't. I would say the same applies to flag burning. If you burn a Canadian flag in protest, I am not so insecure in my patriotism that I feel there should be a law to make the act illegal. In fact, we as Canadians should assert the right to use any form of non violent protest including flag burning, as a byproduct of living in a free and open society.

Sure to spark debate. What are your thoughts?
the Canadian winters are cold. people have to try and stay warm. ;)
 

Locutus

Adorable Deplorable
Jun 18, 2007
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If some attention-seeking crybaby is dissatisfied enough to have to burn his country's' flag, maybe he should fuk off to another country. How about burning your goddamn birth certificate and passport if you're that cranky and you really mean it. And they must be because most often they do it for the camera eh. Uppity drama queens methinks.

Burn a book, an effigy, your draft card or whatnot. Your tears are delicious.
 

wulfie68

Council Member
Mar 29, 2009
2,014
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Calgary, AB
For some reason I always thought publicly burning a flag was against the Flag Act (unless of course said Act expired or was struck down).

That aside, I have mixed feelings and thoughts about burning the flag as a political statement. If someone is disenfranchised enough to burn a flag of the nation they reside in, maybe they ought to consider moving to a nation whose actions they approve of. I respect freedom of thought/speech/expression and association and don't like to see this right infringed upon (insofar as it doesn't infringe on someone else's right to do so or endanger anyone), but this type of statement (in many instances) means the individual burning the flag doesn't respect the opinion of the electorate.
 

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
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Moving
For some reason I always thought publicly burning a flag was against the Flag Act (unless of course said Act expired or was struck down).

That aside, I have mixed feelings and thoughts about burning the flag as a political statement. If someone is disenfranchised enough to burn a flag of the nation they reside in, maybe they ought to consider moving to a nation whose actions they approve of. I respect freedom of thought/speech/expression and association and don't like to see this right infringed upon (insofar as it doesn't infringe on someone else's right to do so or endanger anyone), but this type of statement (in many instances) means the individual burning the flag doesn't respect the opinion of the electorate.

It is legal in the US and Canada to burn the Flag.
And it does not bother me at all. It means different things to different people.
Now defacing monuments to the Soldiers that died. Well that is a different story.
 

Sal

Hall of Fame Member
Sep 29, 2007
17,135
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:canada: I don't like the idea of burning our flag. It is disrespectful.The flag represents us. It is a useless act. Do something positive instead of going the drama queen route.

It also bothers me enormously when our national anthem is being played and people are yapping. STFU and remove your f ucking cap ya numb-skull, otherwise, f uck off to another country that will tolerate your worthless azz.

The older I get the more emotional our anthem and flag make me feel. Someone who burns the flag has no self respect and is too lazy to express themselves in a productive manner. :canada:
 

IdRatherBeSkiing

Satelitte Radio Addict
May 28, 2007
15,371
2,961
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Toronto, ON
You should need a permit to burn a flag and have a fire extinguisher/fire marshal standing by just in case.

I think this guy is available.

 

taxslave

Hall of Fame Member
Nov 25, 2008
36,362
4,342
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Vancouver Island
I see burning the flag as a slap in the face to all those that died to protect our right to free speech. Burning the parliament buildings in protest not so much.