Reply #22: What an astonishingly stupid editorial in every way....

[MrBenchley]

"A black American who wakes up to see a cross burning on the front lawn has every right to feel personally, and physically, threatened."
He also has every right to be angry instead of threatened, as a moment's reflection will tell you. Nor would his Jewish or Hispanic or Oriental or Muslim or Atheist neighbor think, "Oh that's just directed at black folks so I don't give a shit." (and that little list is far from the full list of the Americans the Klan might want to make a statement against.)

"Flag-burning has no such history. It has, in fact, no history of being directed against any target but the government."
But it's also directed against anyone who thinks that government of the people, by the people, for the people is a pretty good idea. When the flag is burned, you're being told by those burning it that you're an idiot and you idea was worthless.

AND it's also directed against anyone who ever served or had a loved one serve in the armed forces. When the flag is burned, you're being told by those burning it to go fuck youtrself in no uncertain terms.

AND it's also directed against anyone who loves American institutions or ideals. When the flag is burned you're being told by those burning it that those institutions and ideals aren't worth shit.