Outlawing the burning of Americas flag will hurt patriotism

PRO, MY COMMENTS ARE IN CAPITAL LETTERS. Pro Wow! Your right about the lack of incidents in flag desecration. That is just cool. Here is my theory about why that is, and this would be supported by nearly any News commentator on any channel if they are even half right. In 2008 the people who would have been burning the flag were busy helping Barrack Obama campaign. after his election they now like our country and have no reason to burn the flag. If not then it could just be a slow year. Either way the short absence of the practice for two years doesn't prove they wont start again, people are whimsical that way. As soon as Obama does something they don't like desecration of flag may start again. . http://cache.daylife.com...... I THINK THAT THE ABSENCE OF FLAG BURNINGS AS POLITICAL PROTESTS HAS BEEN FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU PROBABLY REMEMBER THE WTO PROTESTS IN SEATTLE IN 1999. . http://www.globalissues.org... THEY WERE SO WIDE SPREAD THAT THE CITY AUTHORITIES LOST CONTROL OF THE CITY. I REMEMBER WATCHING THE PROTESTS ON TV. I DON'T RECALL SEEING ANY FLAG BURNINGS. I GOOGLED 'WTO PROTESTS SEATTLE' . http://images.google.com... DO YOU SEE ANY US FLAG BURNINGS IN THESE IMAGES? I DID NOT. Also, even if for now on the only ones burning the flag are the scouts, that only shows it's only use is in patriotism now and it's being outlawed will only interfere with this preferred act of patriotism in the retirement of the flag. It is good that we are the only ones still burning the flag for now we define what burning the flag means. If the people who still think it is disgraceful were not so ignorant of this they would see that it is an honorable act. once we all can see this is not a problem we will have one less wedge issue wasting our Congresses time. They waste enough time on there own. My opponent claims he still argues that burial is more respectful and dignified than incineration. Yet he provides no argument to go with that claim. It would more appropriate to say It's still his opinion, which fascinating as that is is not an argument. How could burial possible be more dignified. THE SCOUTS PARTICIPATE IN A DIGNIFIED MANNER IN FUNERALS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF A DECEASED SCOUT AND OTHERS: Scout Funeral Services On occasion, a troop may experience the loss of a Scout or leader. It is a difficult time for everyone. At the request of the family or with the permission of the family and religious leader, Scouts may participate in the funeral and memorial service to celebrate the life of the Scout or leader. Some things that may be appropriate include: Attending in uniform Sitting together as a unit Serving as honorary pallbearers or ushers. Serving during the service by doing such things as reciting the Scout Oath or Law. The primary concern is for the family and its preferences. The involvement of the troop or Scouts in the troop is at the discretion of the family and its religious leaders. Funeral Service for Scout or Scouter This outline is merely a guide. The wishes of the Family and spiritual advisor take precedent. Processional Color Guard brings in US flag and Troop flag Pallbearers follow Scouts and Scouters in Uniform follow Opening Prayer Almighty Father, as we grieve the loss of (Name of Deceased), help us to remember his involvement with Scouting. Show us how he lived the Scout oath and law. We ask that you comfort us as we will miss his friendship and fellowship. Pastoral Comments (Highlights of the Deceased's life and Scouting accomplishments) Song: "On My Honor" Readings: (Listed below are some suggestions. ) Psalms 23:1-6 Psalms 37:5 Jeremiah 29:11 I Corinthians 15:54-57 Comments from friends. "Scout Vespers" Closing Benediction "May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with us until we meet again, and may our footsteps lead unto Him. " Taps Recessional " . http://www.scouting.org... IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE BOY SCOUTS COULD RETIRE A FLAG BY DIGNIFIED BURIAL RATHER THAN BY BURNING. The flag will spend the of its day's to be trodden by whatever creature should walk over that spot. Covered in dirty dirt and surrounded by worms and bugs. An object that spent its life venerating it's country by flying high in the air being in dirt is sad image to behold. These are the sybolisms that dirt offers our flag. Tom you have said nothing of how fire is representative of light, and passion, or how as smoke our flag remains in the air as far as observer will mentally follow is disposal. Can you put together a ceremony that counts as private burial that offers greater symbolism than this? NO, I PROBABLY COULD NOT. BUT THE SCOUTS COULD CERTAINLY CREATE A DIGNIFIED FLAG BURIAL CEREMONY. If not than retirement by fire shall remain the preferred method. In conclusion we can say from this debate that 1) burial is not better than burning. 2) pollution is not different in either case 3) the retirement has noticeable good affects on our youths patriotism. 4) Outlawing flag burning outlaws this good practice. 5) And finally, the desecration this law is worrying about is not even taking place anymore by method of burning. So such a law only manages to tread on those who are being patriotic, and bothering no one. Quite pointless. And harmful. IN CONCLUSION, LET ME SAY THAT I HAVE ENJOYED THIS STIMULATING DEBATE. THANK YOU, PRO. I'VE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT SCOUTING. MY POSITION IS SIMPLE. I REVERE THE US FLAG. I HAVE ALWAYS DETESTED FLAG BURNINGS AS POLITICAL PROTESTS AND HOPE TO NEVER SEE ONE AGAIN. I AM OPPOSED TO FLAG BURNINGS IN PRINCIPLE. FOR FLAG RETIREMENT, I ARGUE THAT A DIGNIFIED BURIAL CEREMONY IS PREFERABLE AND FEASIBLE. IF PUBLIC FLAG RETIREMENTS BY BURNING CONTINUE, AS PRO DESIRES, IT IS LIKELY THAT THERE WILL BE SOME INCIDENTS OF FLAG BURNINGS AS POLITICAL PROTESTS IN THE FUTURE. ON THE OTHER HAND, IF FLAGS ARE RETIRED BY PRIVATE DIGNIFIED BURIAL CEREMONIES, IT LESS LIKELY THAT POLITICAL ACTIVISTS WILL EXPRESS THERE PROTEST BY BURNING THE FLAG.