Donald Trump made a bold statement at his most recent rally in Glendale, Arizona, regarding the punishment for those who burn the American flag. If re-elected, Trump has promised to enforce one year of jail time for those who are found guilty of burning the flag.
Democrats have turned a blind eye to the disgraceful desecration of the American flag for the past four years, leaving many conservatives and patriots alike frustrated with the public act of rebellion.
Earlier this year, pro-Palestine protesters were seen publicly burning the American flag at Washington D.C.’s Union Station in response to Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, arrival to the States. Unsurprisingly, Democrats did not condemn the public protests or flag burning.
There have been countless instances of the flag being desecrated in a public manner, many times on public or federal property.
The Supreme Court has ruled that burning the American flag is a form of protected free speech under the First Amendment. In Texas v. Johnson (1989) and United States v. Eichman (1990), the Court struck down laws prohibiting flag desecration.
While many find it disrespectful, flag burning remains a constitutional right. No federal laws currently ban this practice, but laws still prohibit stealing flags or burning someone else’s flag without permission.
It is unclear whether Trump would ban flag burning through an executive order or new legislation, but his voter base would undoubtedly support the patriotic move.
The flag is viewed as a sacred symbol deserving utmost respect. Trump’s commitment to protecting the American flag and what it symbolizes sends a powerful message of unity during this election season.
