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Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: A message to flag burners

By Bruce R. Randall, VANCOUVER
Published: December 6, 2016, 6:00am

U.S. flag burner, whomever and wherever you are, be grateful you’re not my son or daughter. As your parent, I’d be ashamed to admit I knew you and deeply regret that I gave you life.

Our Constitution gives you and I the lavish right to speak freely and protest wrongs brought against us as a people, without fear of government recrimination. But your and my rights end when they transgress upon the rights of others — our neighbors, our leaders, those who protect us and the sanctity of our nation’s symbol of liberty: “Old Glory”!

I, and millions of American patriots, take your flag-burning seriously and personally. Your senseless act violates the sanctity of the very liberty you exercise as a protester. By your deed, you’ve disrespected my father and many generations who’ve served, fought and died to protect us from tyrants who murder innocent men, women and children.

Whether you’re natural-born or immigrant, consider yourself blessed to reside within the United States and not a regime that disregards human rights, that would have brutally executed you there in the street. Flag burner, you’re a domestic terrorist and a public menace to all who love and respect this great country.

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter

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