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Angry Mob Chases Would-Be Flag Burner Off LSU Campus

So we can never be quite sure of his 'opposing view' because, despite attending University, he is also an inarticulate yahoo.

He felt that the student who was arrested was either treated unfairly or had his rights withheld. Seeing as the article doesn't mention what the student's statement was about but only focuses on blind save-our-flag patriotism, this is speculation.
 
Dood...what an AWESOME rebuttal. Let me guess...school is out. Fanfreqintastic. We get a fresh crop of...you.

To many it does.

Then these many need to reevaluate their interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.
 
The SCOTUS disagrees with you. In Texas vs. Johnson the court narrowly decided that:

The court found that, "Under the circumstances, Johnson's burning of the flag constituted expressive conduct, permitting him to invoke the First Amendment... Occurring as it did at the end of a demonstration coinciding with the Republican National Convention, the expressive, overtly political nature of the conduct was both intentional and overwhelmingly apparent." The court concluded that, while "the government generally has a freer hand in restricting expressive conduct than it has in restricting the written or spoken word," it may not "proscribe particular conduct because it has expressive elements."
Texas v. Johnson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Well...at least you used something more effective than an 'I know you are but what am I" retort.

Im not denying that it is a constitutionally guaranteed right to burn a flag. I am stating that MANY people (lets start with...oh...I dont know...the people at the LUS campus cited in the OP) see it as more than 'just' a freedom of speech issue. I cant imagine very many people that are actually stupid enough to believe that it doesnt cause extremes of response in people. Its more than just a freedom of speech.
 
Freedom of speech: "Say/do what you want until I'm offended, then stop".

You choose to be offended by something. If you're offended by flag burning then don't take part in it. If you're offended by porn then don't watch it. If you're offended by curse words don't attend a sports event or go to a bar on a Friday night. Or, better yet, find out why it is so offensive to you and work out a way to avoid feeling so offended. Try rationalizing. Is the man burning that flag simultaneously telling you that the flag is symbolic of you, and f**k you? Is it necessary that two consenting adults who chose to screw on film be offensive to you? Why? Does it affect your life in any way?

"I don't agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it". To me, that's what the first amendment is about. Without the freedom to say and do as we please under the first amendment we would not be able to offer dissent against government policy, foreign influence, etc. We need it to make sure our desires are heard. Sometimes it's superfulous and unnecessary, but it's amazing that we can do it.
 
Then these many need to reevaluate their interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.

Try doing it in front of a group of veterans or...well heck...LSU college students...and maybe you would reevaluate your own.

Again...no one is saying it isnt a constitutionaly protected act. Just dont be stupid enough to think you can do it in front of anyone other than a bunch of like minded assholes and idiots and expect it to NOT have consequences. That is all.
 
He felt that the student who was arrested was either treated unfairly or had his rights withheld. Seeing as the article doesn't mention what the student's statement was about but only focuses on blind save-our-flag patriotism, this is speculation.

That's the problem with symbolism, especially one as old and cliched as burning an American flag. That's what we expect third world Muslims doing, not Americans attending institutes of higher learning.

It seems that these protesters aren't really very creative in their methods. Perhaps a letter to the editor, or the actual polite exchange of ideas, might be more effective.
 
That's the problem with symbolism, especially one as old and cliched as burning an American flag. That's what we expect third world Muslims doing, not Americans attending institutes of higher learning.

So because you attend an institute of higher learning you aren't supposed to express your beliefs? Or are you only supposed to have a certain set of beliefs?

It seems that these protesters aren't really very creative in their methods. Perhaps a letter to the editor, or the actual polite exchange of ideas, might be more effective.

Who reads letters to the editor in college? Who even reads the newspaper anymore?

The second tried a polite exchange of ideas by reading a statement, he was met with chants of "Go to hell" and had trash thrown at him.
 
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goes to show that college kids are on average only slightly more intelligent than the average human being.

I would question that. Given the nature of these lovely protests and the counter-protests, and the counter-counter protests, and how they are the "in" thing to do on them, I would put that below the average person. They are still growing up, after all.
 
Freedom of speech: "Say/do what you want until I'm offended, then stop".

You choose to be offended by something. If you're offended by flag burning then don't take part in it. If you're offended by porn then don't watch it. If you're offended by curse words don't attend a sports event or go to a bar on a Friday night. Or, better yet, find out why it is so offensive to you and work out a way to avoid feeling so offended. Try rationalizing. Is the man burning that flag simultaneously telling you that the flag is symbolic of you, and f**k you? Is it necessary that two consenting adults who chose to screw on film be offensive to you? Why? Does it affect your life in any way?

"I don't agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it". To me, that's what the first amendment is about. Without the freedom to say and do as we please under the first amendment we would not be able to offer dissent against government policy, foreign influence, etc. We need it to make sure our desires are heard. Sometimes it's superfulous and unnecessary, but it's amazing that we can do it.

Tessa...calling someone a ****ing whore is a freedom of speech...right? Now...would it be reasonable to assume that walking up to a woman, getting in her face, and calling her a ****ing whore MIGHT just get someone slapped?

When Fred Phelps does his monthly God Hates Fags routine...yes...it is a freedom of speech issue. No...that doesnt mean people arent pissed off, aggravated, and motivated to find ways to stop it.

That this continually is an issue ought to be a fair indicator that it goes beyond a simple freedom of speech matter.
 
The kid has the right to burn a flag (or give an anti-American speech or whatever the case may be). Other kids have the right to chase him around shouting "USA USA!" All's fair.

I strongly disagree. The kid does not have the right to STEAL a flag and burn it. IMHO, the other kids have a right to kick his ass. :mrgreen:
 
I strongly disagree. The kid does not have the right to STEAL a flag and burn it. IMHO, the other kids have a right to kick his ass. :mrgreen:

This kid didn't steal the flag. The other one did.
 
I strongly disagree. The kid does not have the right to STEAL a flag and burn it. IMHO, the other kids have a right to kick his ass. :mrgreen:

I was referring to moron #2, not moron #1, but point taken and I agree.
 
I would question that. Given the nature of these lovely protests and the counter-protests, and the counter-counter protests, and how they are the "in" thing to do on them, I would put that below the average person. They are still growing up, after all.

The REAL "in" thing is to go get hammered on weekdays. And then somehow still pull off being a straight-A student.
 
Tessa...calling someone a ****ing whore is a freedom of speech...right? Now...would it be reasonable to assume that walking up to a woman, getting in her face, and calling her a ****ing whore MIGHT just get someone slapped?

When Fred Phelps does his monthly God Hates Fags routine...yes...it is a freedom of speech issue. No...that doesnt mean people arent pissed off, aggravated, and motivated to find ways to stop it.

That this continually is an issue ought to be a fair indicator that it goes beyond a simple freedom of speech matter.

Again, firmly believe you choose to be offended. If somebody calls me an effin' whore then let 'em. Do they know me? As far as that idiot, Phelps. Anybody with access to news media knows this guy isn't right...why allow yourself to be affected by his protests? It's all about choice. They choose to act a fool, I choose to recognize it as such and dismiss it thusly.
 
Again, firmly believe you choose to be offended. If somebody calls me an effin' whore then let 'em. Do they know me? As far as that idiot, Phelps. Anybody with access to news media knows this guy isn't right...why allow yourself to be affected by his protests? It's all about choice. They choose to act a fool, I choose to recognize it as such and dismiss it thusly.

Fred Phelps is one of the most successful trolls in real-life.
 
The REAL "in" thing is to go get hammered on weekdays. And then somehow still pull off being a straight-A student.

I gave up that dream long ago. I was "mugged by hangover" :D
 
Again, firmly believe you choose to be offended. If somebody calls me an effin' whore then let 'em. Do they know me? As far as that idiot, Phelps. Anybody with access to news media knows this guy isn't right...why allow yourself to be affected by his protests? It's all about choice. They choose to act a fool, I choose to recognize it as such and dismiss it thusly.

And you honestly believe that you are the norm in that situation? I'm not calling you a liar...I accept you wouldnt be bothered by it. Do you accept that the mere act of expressing onesself might reasonably be expected to have certain consequences?

RE Phelps...the fact that he targets funerals of soldiers for his rantings and antics sort of compounds the result. If he wants to be an asshole in his own 'church' (for lack of a better word) then fine. Its when scumbags like him take it to other people in an attempt to enflame that the fun starts.
 
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Freedom of Speech does not equal freedom from repercussions.

Just ask the Dixie Chicks.
 
And you honestly believe that you are the norm in that situation? I'm not calling you a liar...I accept you wouldnt be bothered by it. Do you accept that the mere act of expressing onesself might reasonably be expected to have certain consequences?

Oh, I fully recognize that not all are going to choose not to be offended, or to separate a general attack from a personal one. I do my best to avoid being potentially offensive, but I also take no responsibility when somebody is offended.
 
^^This really need to be said. I fully agree. However I fully support the Dixie Chicks



Well, I didn't. Then again, I thought their music sucked too. That must have ruined my apathy card.
 
Oh, I fully recognize that not all are going to choose not to be offended, or to separate a general attack from a personal one. I do my best to avoid being potentially offensive, but I also take no responsibility when somebody is offended.

I understand what you are saying. I personally have very little regard for words. However I think it is naive for ANYONE to suggest that this is a simple issue. The fact that we have demonstartions for and against the right to burn the flag and that we regularly have discussion on constitutional amendments give proof to the fact that a very small number of people actually WOULD burn a flag, a significantly larger portion think it reprehensible but support their right, and many simply do not believe it should be allowed. Not at all a simple matter.

Me...I have said and continue to say i support the RIGHT...just be careful where you do it and DONT do it in my presence. Personally...I respect every flag burner...I just think they should be fully doused with gasoline before they light the match. Show me that REAL conviction to your freedom of speech.
 
I think it's a basic truism that the cost of limiting speech is virtually always higher than the cost of censoring it.
 
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