String of flag-burnings in Montpelier

[GalvestonDuck]

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- how can anyone argue this is freedom of speech? If a person wants to have their say, fine. But all this tells me is that the person is incapable of voicing his opinion and just wants to be an angry, passive-agressive, child.

http://www.timesargus.com/04/Story/86317.html

Flag desecrations widespread in Montpelier - Jul. 8, 2004
By Patrick Joy
TIMES ARGUS STAFF

MONTPELIER - The recent burning of an American flag on the statue of the Virgin Mary at St. Augustine's church is among a string of flag desecrations and thefts in the city.

Police Chief Douglas Hoyt says at least five incidents have been reported since the middle of June, with the latest occurring Wednesday morning, when a flag with the stars burned out and the phrase "Stop the Corruption" was found draped on a building at 27 State St. On Monday, the Gary Home, a nursing home on Main Street, reported its flag had been burned on its pole and two mutilated flags were found wrapped around the statue of Ethan Allen at the top of the Statehouse steps on June 19. A flag was also found in the rosebushes at the Bethany Church on Saturday. Several residents have reported their flags missing, said Hoyt, and a man was spotted with a flag and a broken staff on the Statehouse lawn at 5 a.m. on June 30, but was gone by the time police arrived.

"It's entirely possible," the incidents are related said Hoyt. Desecrating a U.S. flag is not a crime, but several of the incidents involved theft and destruction of flags owned by those other than the perpetrator, which is a criminal act, Hoyt said.

Police have no solid leads in the cases.

Montpelier mayor Mary Hooper said she is disturbed by the rash of thefts and desecrations.

"I just want to express distress and sorrow that this has happened," she said. "This is not what our community is about. People who do this sort of thing should be condemned. There are so many appropriate ways to express different points of view and this is not one of them."

Hooper said the incidents were upsetting because of the context more than their content.

"I'm not even talking about flag burning per se," she said of her anger. "But draping it around the Virgin Mary, or burning it at a home for the aged is just so totally inappropriate. It's not an expression of speech."

Hooper said she hopes the incidents will come to an end.

"It needs to stop," she said. "There are other vehicles for expressing points of view. We have people in our community who routinely and respectfully state their sentiments. This is intolerable."

Anyone with information related to any flag thefts should contact the Montpelier police at 223-3445.

[rainstorm]

no big deal at all. thats why we cant let these lunies win the election

[GalvestonDuck]

You consider flag-burning no big deal?

[Rainband]

no big deal at all.

huh.