KKK Cross Burning?
Should cross burning be allowed as free speech? For all of you thinking that cross burning shouldn't be allowed because the message it sends is intimidating and threatening, what about the argument that in many instances cross burning is used by the KKK not to threaten minorities, but rather as a symbol of solidarity?
I hate to say it, but it has already turned out that cross burning is protected speech. A Supreme Court case called Brandenburg v. Ohio had decided that cross burning is allowed as long as it is not seen by anyone other than those intended to see it. However, when it becomes threatening to others who see it, then it is no longer constitutionally protected. For instance, when a man intended to burn a sixty foot cross in his backyard, it is not allowed.
it shouldn't be illegal, if there ever were a law made restricting it....if taken to the supreme court it would be abolished from the books because it would be a violation of the first amendment.
Levindis...
You typed exactly what I was thinking. I couldn't have said it better.
The 'Right to Free Speech' is the most abused right in the free world. But all our rights can be used to infringe upon others.
The Kluk Klux Klan can kiss my ***!
Answer:
It depends on the context of the burning. Too burn a cross at a political rally, or a private gathering which is on private property with property owners consent are clearly not a violation and are in fact protected by the first amendment as it should be. However the first ammendment does not allow anyone to burn a cross in someones yard as a means of intimidation. The Constituitional law is quite clear on the fact that your civil liberties only extend to the point where they affect someone else and then it is a balancing act between the two parties. For instance the classic example is that you are not allowed to scream fire (when there is none) in a crowded theatre due to the imminent safety threat it would pose to the people in the theatre.
I support free speech so as long as it's not hurting anyone or destroying property, besides that of the moron cross burners, I say - Knock yourselves out. Try not to catch on fire........stupid.
*I'm referring to the KKK not the person who posted the question.*
I Live in the South and remember seeing Cross's burning outside peoples homes before. I was surprised to find out the KKK not only burned them outside a Blacks home under Suspicion, but outside the homes of Any Man who would beat his wife and kids. I think there is way too much hate in this World and the KKK always sends the Hate message for anyone outside of the White race. I Doubt any of us are a Pure 'Anything'
