Freedom of Speech and Old Glory

The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 Decision ( U.S. v. Eichman 1990 ) ruled that the government’s interest in protecting the flag’s “status as a symbol of our Nation and certain national ideals” was related “to the suppression of free expression” and did not justify the infringement on Free Speech. What this means in short, is that Flag burning is a free expression constitutionally protected in the first amendment.

While many people may disagree on this issue, I happen to side with the court. The protection of Free speech was specifically created to defend "offensive speech". The application of this has never been more important then today. Politically correct media outlets, social organizations and advocacy groups, have done more to attack free speech and expression then at any other time in American history ( with the exception of the Woodrow Wilson era) . Offensive speech is now one of the most "hot button" issues in our culture, and in an attempt to protect certain groups from being offended, we are dividing our nation and alienating our freedoms.

I came across a story today that epitomizes this mentality to the fullest degree, and also illustrates the backwards thinking of the PC culture. Residents at an Oregon Apartment building we're officially banned from displaying the United States Flag in any area around the complex. This includes inside apartment windows, on or inside cars, on doormats, or hanging outside doors. This was not a rule previously defined in the Apartment lease agreements and was a shock to many residents. The comments from the the Apartment manager were a tell tale sign of the PC takeover of common sense.

Owner Stan Keller said: "I'm trying to avoid any conflict," "I have a problem when tenants' rights to free speech come into contact with other tenants' rights of peaceful enjoyment.

I could go a hundred different ways with this issue, but I will focus on this: a person does not have any right to go through life without being offended. It is an un-enforceable standard that precludes the rights of others. In this Country, we will either have free speech or not. And seriously, how is flying the American flag with pride not protected expression, while desecrating it is? I guess protection of offensive speech is only protected when your bashing America, Christians, or Republicans.

The story is linked here at two sites: Enjoy! Welcome to the Brave New World.......

http://www.katu.com/news/local/64059697.html

http://democratherald.com/news/local/article_d7d3c902-b4ee-11de-b11b-001cc4c03286.html