Landmark cases have far-reaching impacts. Texas v. Johnson is one of them.In 1989, to protest the policies of the Reagan administration, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag outside of the Dallas City Hall. He was arrested, but argued that his act was protected by the First Amendment because he was engaging in symbolic speech. The Supreme Court agreed and held that the constitution protects symbolic speech even when it is offensive.
Many of us have fond
memories of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance when we began our school day.
Because the flag is such a recognized symbol of the United States and is honored
as dear to patriotic Americans, its desecration is a controversial means of
political expression. Many would disagree with flag burning.
What would you think
if you saw such an act? What should government do?
Our Constitution
grants us rights that may not be granted to people in other countries. One is
freedom of speech – even speech that may be considered wrong or even hateful. Our
country is strong enough to allow different opinions to be expressed, including
criticism of the government. We should be glad to be uncensored and unmuzzled .
We should be proud to
honor a flag that stands for the right to freely speak. It is a flag that deserves
our respect and protection. 
