Build Date: Sun Dec 14 05:10:13 2025 UTC
In 20 years we'll all be driving around in electric flying cars anyway.
-- Tjames Madison
Place the Lighter on the Ground and Let Us See Your Hands
2005-07-16 12:41:49
So I have been thinking on this whole flag burning issue and all the things it could imply. Now a lot of people right now are saying that there are more important issues at stake and something so trivial is a waste of time. Believing such is really losing sight of some very key changes happening in our nation right now. Being a strict conservative, and currently serving in Iraq, I was surprised to find that I am actually appalled that the House approved a ban on flag burning.
It has been well established that there are limits on free speech. For example, one cannot scream "Fire" in a crowded movie theater. That is based on public safety and a need to maintain order. Now burning a flag can defiantly lead to disorder and injury, especially when some pissed off war vets curb stomp the flag burner. However someone may burn the old "Stars and Stripes" for many reasons.
You could have someone burning the flag on some TV show to shock and disgust American viewers--hell, people watch reality television almost as a form of masochism anyways. Someone could burn the flag because they are an acid-dropping, tofu eating communist that hates the country that allows him to be so liberal-minded. It could be some dumb college kid that never worked a real day in his life who's trying to strike back at "the man." But you know what; there are others who might burn a flag or two.
Maybe it's a war vet with a lot of dead buddies who is pissed off that we are starting trade relations with Viet-Nam. Maybe it's that family that spent thirty years working its ass off to buy a home and is now told Starbucks can take it away from them for another high priced coffee shop. Heck, it could be a born again Christian down in Arizona pissed off that the Feds aren't doing enough to curb illegal immigration. As many reasons someone might burn a flag to show hate for America, there are as many to show love for the nation.
Burning a flag can be a stupid publicity stunt; a statement made by an idiot who has no idea how good he has it, or it could be someone showing true dismay that the Government has failed to protect the rights of its people. The flag is a symbol of all the dead who gave their lives for freedom. Indeed, it is a symbol of those very freedoms itself. Setting the symbol on fire can be an apt ways of saying those freedoms are in peril of being lost.
All of the constitutional rights we have in this country are supposed to work hand in hand to support the American people's God-given freedoms. Even the conservative-minded, nuke-loving, church-going guy I am is a little creeped out by what is happening here. I can really see the so called "slippery slope" happening here. Right now you are being told you cannot set a flag on fire to protest the government.
Given the right circumstances, like say a large riot at a protest, the government might place rules on when and where you can meet. What happens when you are told you are no longer able to meet in a group if it's to openly criticize the Government? If you or your children have grown used to losing one form of free speech, will you notice another going away?
T O P S T O R I E S
The Crossroads are real and The Blues is a place; The enduring myth of Robert Johnson (More...)
California Glory Hole attracts huge crowds
A glory hole at Napa's Lake Berryessa is drawing huge crowds. According to Chris Lee, the general manager for the Solano County Water Agency, the glory hole hasn't been active since 2019, and only restarted operations on Feb 4. (More...)
Republican State Senator busted after soliciting a teenage girl
Republican State Senator Justin Eichorn of Minnesota was arrested for soliciting a teen girl on Monday just hours after he introduced a bill proposing "Trump derangement syndrome" (TDS) as a form of mental illness. (More...)
Parents claim measles is not that bad after having only one child die
The parents of a Texas girl who died from the measles are defending their decision not to vaccinate their daughter. "She says they would still say 'Don't do the shots,'" an unidentified translator for the parents said. "They think it’s not as bad as the media is making it out to be." (More...)
Delusional rich man tries to fire town staff
"I'm mayor now" said write-in mayoral candidate and founder of Pirate’s Booty Snacks Robert Ehrlich after losing the election for Mayor of Sea Cliff, NY. Then he tried to take over the Village Hall and fire everyone. (More...)
Musk claims Xitter security is staffed by idiots
Earlier this month Xitter experienced a massive outage. In an interview, Musk told Fox Business that he believes the attack came from "IP addresses originating in the Ukraine area." (More...)
C L A S S I C P I G D O G
NASA's Mars missions keep blowing up and crashing, but dammit, when you reach for the stars you have to expect a few minor setbacks. Drink a toast to the men and women of NASA! Toast them with a Lost Probe mixed up with your own two (or three) hands! (More...)
Ah, it's that special time of year again. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, crowded, dangerous streets filled with maniac shoppers rushing to the mall to buy Pokemon action figures, and getting hammered at the Xmas party and insulting the boss's hair weave. That's right: it's time to drink heavily and wait out life's little nagging miseries, holiday variety. Pigdog is here to help. (More...)
Songs Of Love And Special Things
Well, dear reader, there's no denying it: Spring has sprung. The air is pungent with the fertile aroma of Romance. And you know what goes with Romance, don't you? That's right, Lover, porn. And not just any porn, but the kind you can sing along to. (More...)
Body and Soul, a night of fucking in San Francisco
For the benefit of Pigdog readers, I took it upon myself to explore the deep frontiers of human behavior and attend a saucy festival of the flesh. This was no ordinary fete of carnal delights, dearie. (More...)
The Ancient and Correct Sake Ceremony
Many Americans have learned to appreciate the delicate, sophisticated flavors of Japanese food and drink, along with the beautifully refined rituals of Japanese dining. San Francisco, as a gateway between East and West, has especially benefited from the flowering of Eastern consciousness in America. It is hardly possible to walk down the street without stepping on somebody's sushi. (More...)
It was Friday night at the Casa de Baron and everything was in place -- a group of friends had assembled, people were setting things on fire in the backyard, and a Ferry Corsten double-live CD was playing on the stereo. Everything was in place to make further scientific advances in beverage research and leisure technology. (More...)
