kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:11 AM:
" spider-monkey: They are having their oil used to pump up their surplus money for which we add the $10 billion a month to keep them afloat. We are doing the fixing and their fighting for their country while there are those who want to return it to a Muslim dictatorship. Their fight will be constant thanks to foolish religious sentiment. Meanwhile our country is tanking in all aspects of our economy. Besides, it's the oil companies and speculators that drive up the price. OPEC cuts supply to help drive up the price. If we'd clean up our economic mess, oil would be much less needed but it would reduce oil company profits. And for those companies, plus our generous tax breaks, they have money to burn while people continue to suffer...the GOP way. "
spider_monkey wrote on Sep 21, 2008 11:23 AM:
" I'm curious. If we're in Iraq because of oil, then why isn't oil back down to $20 a barrel and $1.00 a gallon. Oh that's right, we import less than 1/2 million barrels a day from them which is less than Saudi Arabia, Venzuela, Nigeria, and Algeria. Once again your ignorance shows and you don't realize that a stable democracy in the heart of the Middle East will help stablize the entire region. Everybody knows the strategy in Iraq was flawed from the beginning, that's what happens when politicians don't let the soldiers fight the war, however conditions have vastly improved in the last two years and everybody who turned against the war refuses to admit that. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 21, 2008 3:27 AM:
" Eddie, you're dead on again. Furthermore, if it wasn't oil, why didn't we help incite a civil war in Iraq? The major reason was Iraq's help with Iran. Now what we really want is to be right next door to Iran, ready to invade for more oil at a moment's notice...like when John McCain becomes president. "
Eddie wrote on Sep 20, 2008 8:52 PM:
" Hadeeza, I totally support Western forces fighting al-Qaida in Afghanistan; it definitely needs to be done. Iraq, however, is a different issue, as they never attacked this country. The Husseins' weaponry was not even close to being able to attack the USA. North Korea suffers from a brutal dictator, who is hostile towards the West, and he has a nuclear program, so why haven't we invaded that country? They have no OIL to covet, that's why. Iraq's internal religious conflicts are completely irrelevant, just as the USA's conflicts are irrelevant to other countries. In the USA, we used to enslave and lynch people just because they had dark skin. Should other countries have invaded us to stop our internal conflicts? I ask you again - if Iraq had no oil, would you be over there right now? "
Hadeeza wrote on Sep 20, 2008 1:16 PM:
" The reason we went to Afghan is simple..To root out the terrorist who are running that country and get back at group that knocked down those two towers, who i think ALOT of americans have already forgotten, remember the WTC?...As for Iraq, Saddam needed to be taken care of 15 years ago but it didnt get done, and your crazy if you dont really think he had a nuclear program...I patrol streets of baghdad and there are kids running around and people in the markets that they never would have been able to be in before we came here..How would you feel if someone tried to kill you just because you were a differant religon than them...Put yourselves in the shoes of the iraqi people and if you have a soul at all you would see why we need to be there.... "
Eddie wrote on Sep 20, 2008 9:27 AM:
" Home Girl, you have obviously never been outside of this country. There are many democratic nations around the world, and they provide their citizens the same amount of freedoms. As for freedom of speech, citizens have the right to be crude and vulgar, and the rest of us have the right to chastize them for it. We can also ignore them so their "fun" is ruined. If everyone had just ignored this dork teenager, his fun would have been ruined. Instead of becoming hysterical about a handful of dorks who like to mess with flags, we should just ignore them. They do such things for the attention. If we ignore them, they'll go away. "
HOME GIRL wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:16 PM:
" I see many of you folks yelling about free speech. Tell me something, why is it that "free speech" seems to always mean the ability to say and do the vulgar, the disgusting, and the destructive. Some one wears a shirt with vulgar writings on it and it is called "Free Speech". Some one else wears a shirt with "Jesus Saves" and it is called "Forcing religion down my throat". What is the difference? You can ignore the vulgar, but the "religious" pricks your conscience. This young man needs a taste of reality. As bad as America is, she is still the only nation that gives us freedom - so far. "
Chris King wrote on Sep 19, 2008 3:59 PM:
" While I would never condone such a thing, I'm not so sure if it really is that big of a deal. It does seem to be a form of expression, which is protected by the constitution and the pertinent SCOTUS decision.
It's disgusting, and if it were my kid he would have some 'splainin' to do, but illegal? I don't see it. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:29 PM:
" Eddie, your statements are dead on. Look at Darfur as an example. No Oil...no American soldier. Threating Iran...why not? Have our military at the ready to invade and bomb away. They have oil! Our oil companies need more profits plus taxbreaks! Maybe they should roll up their sleeves and start spending those profits before a new government taxes them in windfall amounts. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:20 PM:
" And we better not spit on that flag during the Ryder's Cup! Has anyone seen the European flag? Is that the Euro flag? Maybe we Americans can stop eating the crow that Europe has served us six out of the last seven times. Or are too many Americans not caring what happens at this type of international event? Oops, down another hole. Time to get peeved...where is that American flag? "
RUSerious wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:53 PM:
" Eddie and Hadeeza:
I think you are in agreement on one thing...
"Until you've been here or to to Afgahn dont listin to the news and pretend you know whats going on here, or why we are here..." - Hadeeza.
So, if the news tells me we are there to protect the U.S., our freedom, and to spread democracy and I am not suppose to listin [sic] to the news is that because the news isn't telling the truth. It appears to me that Eddie would agree with this position. "
Eddie wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:35 AM:
" Hadeeza, just WHY are you and your fellow soldiers in Iraq? Please, tell us all exactly why. And when you're finished telling us about "freedom" and "democracy", think about these questions: If Iraq had no oil at all, do you really think that you would be over there? Do you really think that our esteemed President would even know where Iraq is on a map? "
Eddie wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:26 AM:
" The best way to show one's love for the USA is to be a good citizen, which means this: to VOTE, to be good to your neighbors, to not kill, rob, or rape, to not lie, cheat, or steal, to treat people with repsect at all times, to pay your fair share of taxes, to keep your community clean, etc. Genuflecting before some flag has NOTHING to do with being a good American, as it is just idol worship. Emperors, kings, and dictators have used their own images as idols as a means of controlling the People. American political leaders use flag worship in the same way, for the same reason - to control the mindless masses. Are we mindless? I don't think so. Well, most of us are not.... "
Hadeeza wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:12 AM:
" Well I guess you have to be in the military to understand what the flag means to american troops..Its just too bad that people want to burn a flag that represents so much to so many people, in my opinion, some of you people call it "expression of speach", I call it being ungreatfull to the thousands of people who have died fighting for it...I cant say anything that i havnt already said, so iam not gonna waste anyones time...Thank you Eddie and Gunny for your words of support, most apreciated..and by the way....I came to Iraq both times because I wanted to, not because someone of higher rank told me I had too, knowing exactly why we are here and what we are doing...Until you've been here or to to Afgahn dont listin to the news and pretend you know whats going on here, or why we are here...thanks "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 19, 2008 2:20 AM:
" Hey Krusty, I don't come from a long line of draft dodgers. My father served in the Korean conflict and my oldest brother was a navy man for at least eight years during the Vietnam disaster. I have uncles who served in either Korea or Vietnam. But that doesn't mean I would follow their footsteps. Their sacrifices changed them somewhat and not always for the better. My service to mankind doesn't require me to use guns, bombs, or other death defying acts help others. I don't place my life in the hands of someone whose agenda doesn't meet the truth within my standards. I would rather be wise and living than foolish and dead. I did not follow those who seek or like being killed for someone elses benefit like those in our military doing so today. Life is so much more than that and I intend to pursue it. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:58 AM:
" To Eddie, Big Spender, Alan, new world order, and seabiscuit: Your posts were excellent because you showed what real freedom means. Both davidinlse and Teiresias spoke sincere truths. And to Gunny: I have been to military funerals before. I was there to honor the one who died as friends and family normally do, not the cause or country for which they died for. Giving the flag to the family is merely a symbol by the military reminding the family of its sacrifice. To make this any bigger would require that the President of this country attend every one of these funerals as Commander-in-Chief. But that doesn't happen, does it? "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:35 AM:
" To many of the neocons like mn02800000 and Sconni Fan: I hope Sconni and happymom served in our military. The military isn't for everyone. We don't have a draft for good reasons. This volunteer means permits those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for a cause bigger than themselves. However, this also means they can be made to do so for causes led by foolish leaders like Bush. Hadeeza, I sympathize only that your service was abused by those in charge, but you are doing something noble in spite of those running the show. It's the imperialism of the United States and its businesses like oil that you fight for, not the freedom for Iraqi people. That freedom was a mere second thought by our political leaders. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:12 AM:
" I remember reciting that Pledge of Allegiance many years ago as a child. I realized that the flag changed from 48 to 50 states. The flag is merely a cloth symbol representing the US to the world. We manufacture it making it easily replaceable unlike the Declaration of Independence or our Constitution. Those are the original reasons of this country's foundation. The flag can be owned by anyone from soldier to citizen or non. It's flown wherever those wish to fly it wish to. Therefore the flag can be destroyed by the person who owns it as they see fit. You neocons and soldiers do not own my flag or that 14-year olds. Until you realize that, your argument is just foolishness. I know if McCain gets elected there will be more flag burning needed to survive his four years and I will be among those leading the way. "
Gunny wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:33 PM:
" I took an oath many years ago to protect our Flag and I feel that wrapping a person in it that would burn our Flag is a prefect way to protect our Flag. If you have that little respect for our Flag or Country, you should move to Iran and see what happens when you shoot off your mouth the way you do here. I would give anything to be there to watch and laugh. Maybe if you had the honor of serving you would know the difference. Thank you for your service Hadeeza and GOD BLESS YOU AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND OUR FLAG. "
Gunny wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:29 PM:
" It sounds like some of you need to attend a few funerals with the Flag draped over the casket and then folded and given to the family to know what our Flag means. Over the History of our Country many have died protecting our Flag. Seems many believe this gives you the right to do whatever you want to it. Look up the word speech and see what it says. Burning the Flag is not speaking, it is doing an overt act. Light a Flag on fire in front of me and I will put it out by wrapping you in it and rolling you around slowly. Enjoy that. "
Eddie wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:45 PM:
" Hadeeza, I have news for you. You're not fighting for a country full of kids. You're not fighting for the average American. You are NOT fighting for our "freedom". You're fighting for Exxon, Enron, and all other oil corporations (and their puppets in Washington, D.C.) who seek to control Middle Eastern petroleum markets. You're in Iraq because of the OIL, and because our weasel President wishes to pretend like he's a great leader. I sincerely hope that you and your fellow soldiers come home safe and sound....and SOON. "
Darwinism wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:55 PM:
" I respect our voluntary armed forces fighting in far away lands for freedom. Freedom. Some of which they have given up to our commander and chief once they made the choice to sign that line and take that oath. Remember, those freedoms include the right to have the very beliefs you hate... their is no god, marxism rocks more than rage against the machine, terrorism is the answer, free health care for all and no tax money for education. When you recognize this too is what your fighting to spread in a far away land then you really understand your mission. "to spread freedom". "
spider_monkey wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:58 PM:
" You people want to talk about flags at the RNC well what about the 12,000 discarded flags left over from the DNC? "
honestgal wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:42 PM:
" I so agree with CJ!!! What kind of parent would let a 14 year old go to a concert, unless the parents were there with him. What a wonderful example!!! I am so glad I had (and still have) wonderful parents that raised me right!!! And I am very close to my kids as well!!! NO WAY would I let me son go to a concert at that age!! "
just al wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:54 PM:
" For a couple of nirods that think they are taking things litterally, sign language is identified as an offical language therefore is included in the freedom of speech category. Actions are not, in other WORDS the act of desecrating a flag is not speech it is expression and should not be protected uner the first amendment. As far as the clothes that have flag characteristics, nothing wrong with it, the flag code talks about an actual flag not being able to be worn, not clothes that look like flags. Get it right. "
seabiscuit wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:32 PM:
" According to "just al," people who are unable to speak (for whatever reason) are not allowed to express their freedom of speech. And some of you "patriots" out there want the rest of us American citizens to obey only YOUR beliefs. Yet the president of the United States ignores the Constitution over and over again. Hmmm... The flag is a symbol; a representation. We can salute it, wave it, cheer it, wear it, ignore it, burn it, etc... We, as free citizens of the United States, may do all these in one day, one year, or one lifetime. It is OUR choice. "
davidinlse wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:12 PM:
" RE; Hadeeza wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:41 AM:
You seem to not really know the country you say your fighting for. Remember, it's his country and flag to. His stupidity does not make him any less an american though, and you should realize that.
For once, I agree with Teiresias, the total disrespect shown to the flag by the republicans was at best shameful. "
happymom wrote on Sep 18, 2008 12:15 PM:
" Fourteen-year-old boys have an intellect just a half-notch above moron, so this isn't all that alarming. It's very in-vogue right now to hate your country and express your contempt for everything it stands for. When Hollywood weirdos and musicians do things akin to flag-burning, segments of our society cheer and beg for more. I agree that this adolescent malcontent should have some experience with the ROTC to help balance out the LEFT side of his mushy little brain. "
Hadeeza wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:41 AM:
" Iam glad Iam on my second tour in Iraq right now, going out everyday and dodging IEDs and EFPs, fighting for a country full of kids that can't even respect the flag on my arm...and everything it stands for..Bands like Rage agains the machine are what corrupt americas youth by singing thier anti-america/war/government songs...That little punk can come take my place if he wants..you know what? No he can't because he dosnt deserve to fight for this country! "
rickey wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:35 AM:
" Is fishnuts anything like mothballs? "
LAX wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:22 AM:
" Hey Fishnuts -- how did you get that screen name? Is it because that's all the bigger your's are? You're a nitwit... "
rickey wrote on Sep 18, 2008 10:55 AM:
" Is this all We got to Blog about Today, The action is all on wall street,InflationDeficet spending and Unemployment "
Teiresias wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:59 AM:
" "just al", by your definition protest songs would be illegal since they are not spoken. Also anyone who wrote dissenting material by hand would be imprisoned since the constitution only mentions a free "press".
Get a clue. "
CJ wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:42 AM:
" I would be curious to meet this kid's parents. Maybe let him go live in some desolate area in Africa where kids wish they could go to school and see if it's so bad here. "
enuffalready wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:34 AM:
" 2 of 2
The Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman, decided on June 11, 1990.
While the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter, modify, repeal or prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal agency has the authority to issue 'official' rulings legally binding on civilians or civilian groups. Consequently, different interpretations of various provisions of the Code may continue to be made. The Flag Code may be fairly tested: 'No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of America.' Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown. "
enuffalready wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:33 AM:
" 1 of 2
From US Flag Code:
This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes. It does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States Flag. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the District of Columbia. Each state has its own flag law.
Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989. The Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute unconstitutional. This statute was amended when the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine and/or up to I year in prison for knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically defiling, maintaining on the floor or trampling upon any flag of the United States. "
hochunkguy wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:24 AM:
" The legal argument and question here is if this immature stunt constitutes "free symbolic speech" or "conduct?" As most people know, the 1st Amendment to the Constitution prohibits Congress from passing federal laws prohibiting the exercise of free political speech and engaging in the political process. I'm unsure what is codified in Minnesota regarding "free speech" and conduct. I'm sure this young Obama supporter meant well when he desecreted the flag that my father fought for in the islands and jungles of the Pacific during World War II. "
Teiresias wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:15 AM:
" The real desecration was witnessed at the republican convention where obese dimwits had the flag made into clothing.Where does it end? "
excuseme wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:15 AM:
" If you made it this far in life and don't understand what respecting the flag of the greatest country in the world is all about, you don't deserve to be protected by anything it represents. Maybe you should find another country that suits your needs. "
Fishnuts2 wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:12 AM:
" Headline: LAX caught in training to be a "Community Organizer" at Winona Senior High. "
Sconni Fan wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:45 AM:
" Make this kid join the ROTC program and serve his 8 years...at the end of his committment, see if he still feels the same way about Old Glory. "
Eddie wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:40 AM:
" Is this country so insecure that it has to arrest and even imprison a handful of dimwits for doing naughty things to a flag? Are the American people so ignorant that they have to turn a red, white, and blue flag into a religious idol? That's what the word "desecrate" means, you know - to make unsacred. The fear of flag burning/destruction is nothing more than a secular superstition. Will we suffer plagues, hurricanes, and famines because some nimrod messes with a flag? Will our great nation fall into oblivion just because someone let a flag touch the ground improperly? Some of you people just may think so.... "
new world order wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:22 AM:
" I have no problem with anyone burning the flag of the United States. Actually I kind of admire the idea, to tell you the truth. It takes courage to do this, especially without a crowd of people behind him telling him to do so. This act was not part of a mass demonstration. I don't believe that charging this individual will amount to anything. This was proven a number of years ago when the supreme court ruled that doing this is protected under freedom of speach. "
Eddie wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:20 AM:
" Politicians spit on the Constitution everyday in Washington, D.C. Candidates for election this November lie and BS to us every single day about their "qualifications". Corporate media moguls conspire with Washington to destroy our democracy....and yet you people only care about stringing up some brainless teenager for ripping up a flag. How courageous..... "
Big Spender wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:18 AM:
" The Minnesota flag desecration law is against the law: flag desecration is a political expression of free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution. Any fifth-grader knows that. Soldiers died to protect these guaranteed rights, even when exercised in an unpopular way.
Next, you'll see Bible desecration laws (one artist displayed a Bible in a bucket of urine). Then comes Koran desecration laws and Bhagavad Gita desecration laws and Dianetics (Scientology) desecration laws as each group of raving religious nutters comes out of their holy wacko closet once President Palin, Huckabee in a skirt, turns the U.S. into a fundie theocracy like Iran.
Go ahead, teen, desecrate away! It's the American thing to do! "
mn02800000 wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:56 AM:
" By the way, I served this country in combat for 22 months and am proud of the fact that flag flew over me while doing it. Did any of you supporters of this punk 14 year old do it? I wil bet not.
82nd Airborne VETERAN!!! "
mn02800000 wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:49 AM:
" Anyone and I mean anyone who desicrates our country's flag, should be prosicuted to the full extent of the law.They should be given the maximum sentence and maybe even deported. Too many heroes fought and died for that flag to let some punk 14 year old get away with it. Maybe history lessons piped into his cell will educate him and his parents. Ask him where the rights that he enjoys came from, they came from the soldiers who fouhgt and died for that Grand Old Flag ! ! ! "
just al wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:18 AM:
" I could care less what the Supreme court says, this came from liberal judges that put the word expression next to speech. Freedom of speech is the spoken word. Expression does not belong in the first amendment. This act should be punishable and anyone that destroys the flag, whether they own it or not, should be punished. Yes if I saw this happen, I would step in and stop it. I dare you! "
reality wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:13 AM:
" Too bad nitwits handled this kid...they should have charged him with EVERYTHING BUT desecrating a flag; underage smoking, littering, disorderly conduct (the statement of tearing up a flag in a public school filled with hundreds of people who would find that offensive is not protected in free speech/expression the same way that yelling fire in a crowded theatre isn't allowed in free speech/expression), posession of tobacco/lighter on campus, truancy for not being in class....instead of shooting this attention seeker down, they escalated the argument. And by the way, this is coming from a liberal. "
Krusty wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:10 AM:
" Kaminazi-darral, I can tell you come from a long line of draft dodgers and hippies... Anybody who has his country knows what a flag symbolizes and what it's worth. Why is it that liberals love to burn a flag but if they even hear rumors of a Quran being mistreated they freak out? "
Alan wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:34 AM:
" A law that targets acts on a symbol is insane; fight this to the supreme court. "
kamikazefaase wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:11 AM:
" Fight the ticket! No one should dictate what you do with YOUR American flag. This is your property forwhich you used your own funds to buy. This law that was passed should apply only to flags that do not belong to the person. This includes flags flown over government buildings because these belong to everyone, not just the flag destroyer. If I want to burn or make my flag a joke, that's my business and too bad for anyone who simply disagrees with such. "
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