Should be a felony to - Burn Flag

[CampingJosh]

Did an Iowa Man Get 16 Years for Burning an LGBT Rainbow Flag?

In December 2019, several news reports failed to properly explain to readers the impact of "habitual offender" laws on prison sentences.

www.snopes.com

Charged with Arson, hate crime, harrassment

Because he stole the flag.

Had it been his own flag, it wouldn't have been arson.

 

[actaeon277]

Because he stole the flag.

Had it been his own flag, it wouldn't have been arson.

And "hate crime"?


Also, part was that it was a 3rd time offender.

 

[CampingJosh]

And "hate crime"?


Also, part was that it was a 3rd time offender.

Wouldn't have been a hate crime had it not been the initial crime of arson. I'm pretty sure the hate crime designation is an aggravating factor rather than a crime in itself.

 

[Tombs]

Because he stole the flag.

Had it been his own flag, it wouldn't have been arson.

I thought crimes against property weren't just cause for this kind of punishment to people in your pursuasion?

Or is it just went it's against some sort of property you like?

 

[Tombs]

Damned First Amendment.

One of the least American things I can think of is to make someone else's political speech illegal.

Ehhhhh

Are they conveying an idea with the burning of the flag? Something to motivate some sort of political change or educate in a political philosophy?

I don't think just straight up burning the flag is making a statement at all, it's just being a ****. That's why it teeters on the verge for me. Now if they were spreading some dangerous ideology, then yeah I'd see why that's protected.
I don't see this as any different than someone taking selfies of themselves pissing on someone's grave.

 

[CampingJosh]

I thought crimes against property weren't just cause for this kind of punishment to people in your pursuasion?

Or is it just went it's against some sort of property you like?

I didn't say anything about the punishment being fitting for the crime of destroying $50 or less of stolen property. I was merely explaining the difference between a political statement (burning one's own flag) and a crime (burning someone else's flag).

But thank you for trying to make it personal.

 

[Denny347]

Did an Iowa Man Get 16 Years for Burning an LGBT Rainbow Flag?

In December 2019, several news reports failed to properly explain to readers the impact of "habitual offender" laws on prison sentences.

www.snopes.com

Charged with Arson, hate crime, harrassment

Thank you. Interesting. Sub in an American flag in this specific situation and he would have committed arson and with the habitual violator enhancement = 15yrs. The LGBT "hate crime" charge was only a minor addition. So like many things in life, the devil is in the details.

 

[JettaKnight]

What is going to happen to this country , When these kids will be running this country one of these days !?

I feel so bad for my grandkids. Lord help them.

These kids? Flag burning was an issue long ago - that generation is already in charge.

 

[baldmax]

Out of respect to the veterans who fought and died & or give for this country and also out of respect for the USA it should be a felony !

As a Vet and still in. If you want to burn a flag, be my guest.

Do it in front of me, I will try and put it out.

 

[JettaKnight]

But the problem is, that it is NOT speech, it is a action.

That's like SovCits saying they're not driving, they're "traveling".