There probably is nothing more anti-American and patriotic at the same time as burning an American flag. We are one of the few counties with a relatively well protected first amendment that allows all expression except those that would immediately incite or threaten violence. Burning the flag may be disgusting practice, but it's about as American as one can get.

Flags are just cotton or polypropylene icons of an American symbol. They represent our freedoms including the freedom to criticize or even hate the injustice that our system often perpetuates. Our country is a great one for all of the good that there is, but there is also a time to protest and challenge the establishment. Burning the flag is one way to do that.

There are veterans out there who claim that they went to war to defend the flag, and that destroying the flag is similar to spitting at their accomplishments. They are wrong insofar as they fought for what the flag means and not the actual cloth or polypropylene flag. A flag is a disposable item while the freedoms it represents are something that much be forever cherished and protected through the quality leadership of our country.

Burning the flag is about both protesting and celebrating what makes our country such a great place to live. It might offend you, but being offended is part of being American and having your beliefs challenged every day to make you a stronger individual. Show that you truly love your basic constitutional rights and that you are a proud American.