The American flag has always been a symbol of freedom and democracy, and has represented our beliefs and morals as a country. However, it is increasingly been popular to burn flags to make political statements. Many see this as treason and take offense, while others see their statement as an extension of their freedom in America. The government must make a decision to protect their flag or to protect the ideals it holds.

Burning the flag is a very serious statement, however it seems to be protected by the government. Although it used to be against the law to desecrate the flag, in 1989 a Supreme Court case overturned the law. Texas v. Johnson, in a close 5-4 conclusion, decided flag desecration was to be protected under the 1st Amendment, the freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly, and petition. Justice William Brennan concluded...