I see what you mean Rufus. Its about Faith. I hadn't thought of a flag as a symbol of nationality in the same way as a Crucifix is a symbol of belief in Christianity.
But I don't think its the burning itself that is the issue but the desecration of the symbol - the desecration of what the symbol represents. Its all about the Intent.
In the example I mentioned above, where I would use a flag as kindling if there was nothing else and I was cold (Meaning Freezing to death, not just feeling a little chilly) is not a case of desecration. Its using the object, as opposed to the symbol. I would do the same with a crucifix and I am a Christian.
I don't know if what I mean is coming across in what I've just written.
I was once told a story in church.
A man was caught in a major flood but was fortunate enough to find a roof to perch on. However the water was rising.
Someone in a homemade raft came by and said to the man, "Quickly, get on the raft and we'll sail to safety" to which the Priest replied, "No thankyou, My God will save me".
Somewhat later someone in a motorboat stopped by the roof and offered to rescue the man, who replied in the same way "My God will save me."
The water kept on rising and soon it was up to the man's neck. A Rescue Helecopter came by and was ready to winch the man to safety but the man yet again refused saying "No Thankyou, My God will save me."
The man drowned and went to heaven. He asked God why He hadn't saved him. God replied "What do you mean? I sent you a raft, a boat and a helecopter"
I wouldn't want to hear "Why didn't you light a fire? I provided the wood."
Someone going around and burning crucifixes and desecrating churches does annoy me and so I can understand your anger at the Flag burning issue. Its the same as the anger over grafitti on war memorials. Its a matter of Respect.
at least thats how I see it.
Xy
