Burning a flag [Archive]

Dicktator

5th July 2008, 19:55

hmm, good point. But at the same time, they already hate us for being commie/socialist/anarchist/whatever. It cant get much worse.

Burning a flag sounds romantic and bold but if only a few people nextdoor who are getting drunk around a BBQ see you doing it, why bother? Save that flag for a mass demostration or something. Or, do it, because cops are bored on July 4th, and you will give them something to do that they can get all patriotic about it. lol. Sounds like an episode of COPS in the making here. :lol:

Comrade B

12th July 2008, 04:18

Burned the flag in a secluded place, made a mess of it, wrote a few things on it, and dumped it on the steps of a millitary weapon storage base near the town's downtown.

Hiero

12th July 2008, 11:54

Burned the flag in a secluded place, made a mess of it, wrote a few things on it, and dumped it on the steps of a millitary weapon storage base near the town's downtown.
That's one for the history books.

Pawn Power

12th July 2008, 14:34

Actually, I saw a vet last week collecting flags to burn.

Sugar Hill Kevis

13th July 2008, 00:26

That's one for the history books.

Was about to say 'havn't seen you around for a while' but just checked out your profile and apparently you have been around lately... alas, I'm void.

But on topic, the prospect of you and a few friends secludedly burning a flag sounds slightly ritualistic, no?

Maybe this is just through the jaded eyes of a UK citizen, where the flag isn't given as much precedence as in the US. It just seems a little immature is all...

It must be a bit anti-climatic?

Comrade B

13th July 2008, 05:52

These people worship their flags. They are god to them. My town is based on Wheat, Onions, wine, and increasingly tourists going downtown. There is a burnt flag lying in the street. The aquisition of the flag was not fully legal. It would have been most unwise to do it in the street, not to mention not many people are out at 12 am. Edit: Just enough to blast a few shotgun shells into 3 17-18 year old kids with nothing more than knives to defend themselves. People here are violent.

Those of you who criticise me for doing this in a secluded location, I would like to see you get the balls to go out into the streets of the town that supported the extreme right more than anyother town in the state and burn a flag in the middle of the street. Do it before you act like an ass about it to me.

Sugar Hill Kevis

13th July 2008, 10:55

You missed the point.

I wasn't criticising you for doing it in a secluded location. There were no jabs of 'cowardice' or anything of the sort. I was just saying that I find flag burning a bit ritualistic and puerile.

There are times where it can be appropriate... on mass demonstrations or such, but that aside I don't really "get" it.

Comrade B

14th July 2008, 07:12

The result was turned into a public display, placed in a highly visible place

14th July 2008, 11:15

And this accomplished......what? I see no point in this action at all.

Honggweilo

15th July 2008, 16:28

sounds a bit like RAAN smashing up parking meters to me :confused:

Comrade B

18th July 2008, 21:24

I am letting out a little bit of rage. Ever been a human being before?

bluerev002

20th July 2008, 22:27

Damn sonn, way the change the world.

Jazzratt

22nd July 2008, 20:35

I am letting out a little bit of rage. Ever been a human being before?

When I let out a little rage I don't post it on the DIY section of this site, even if it is letting rage out in a leftist style.

XII Bones IIX

5th August 2008, 07:13

Well it was certainly my favorite 4th ever.:thumbup:

5th August 2008, 15:32

This wasn't really in a leftist style; it was just stupid.

4 Leaf Clover

8th October 2008, 08:34

Bones and I as well as a few buddies intend on staging a little flag burning during the celebrations today. Anyone know the cheapest way to make a good flag fire and the cheapest (and safest) way to get a flag?

have in mind that it is a crime so get a facecover

The Douche

8th October 2008, 16:04

sounds a bit like RAAN smashing up parking meters to me :confused:

I dunno about you, but having recieved a parking ticket last week, I wish somebody had put glue in the parking meter I was at. (thats what happend, not smashing)

RAAN, we are legion....

Peaceful Revolutionary

4th November 2008, 21:26

Yeah, not to say that this is wrong or point fingers at you, but I don't really see what this accomplished either. I mean, it didn't really do something to prove a point. Or does the action of burning a flag just give you the feeling of rebellion?

And you're certainly correct about your whole 'these people are quite touchy about their flags'. Rage Against The Machine got in big trouble after they were playing on a T.V. show and they hung flags upside down from their amplifiers. Didn't go over well with all the station owners.

Sankofa

6th November 2008, 12:04

have in mind that it is a crime so get a facecover

To my knowledge, It's not illegal per-say, as in there's not law some one can point to in the books that says flag burning is outlawed.

However, with today's sense of hyper-patriotism and being in red neck country myself, it's something I would think about. I have a feeling cops here wouldn't give two fucks if it's illegal or not and would stop you...and probably beat you a few times in the process.

Junius

6th November 2008, 12:42

From memory, the RCP (or its former equivalent) took a case to the Supreme Court to defend the 'right' to burn the American flag - they succeeded.

Edit: Yup, more information here. (http://books.google.com/books?id=IR-YmujBeaMC&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=flag+burning+america+communist&source=web&ots=C5Sr_x11Wx&sig=4B2D197KThbeslwIWoffJ_AMFNM&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA28,M1)

Dean

6th November 2008, 23:19

What's wrong here? He burned a flag and dropped it for some military shits to see. He succeeded in letting off steam and aggravating some of the filthiest people around. Sure it wasn't meaningful, didn't accomplish much, but it must have felt good.

Foldered

6th November 2008, 23:23

This wasn't really in a leftist style; it was just stupid.
Pretty much how I feel about it. There are different/better ways to spread what you believe.

cop an Attitude

6th November 2008, 23:36

I take that back. Its really no harm done so If he wants to burn a flag do ahead, one less flag. Its just good ole fashion fun.

synthesis

10th November 2008, 04:14

I think it would be more productive to try and associate the flag with socialism rather than alienating yourself from potentially sympathetic "ordinary Americans".

The Garbage Disposal Unit

18th November 2008, 19:11

I think it would be more productive to try and associate the flag with socialism rather than alienating yourself from potentially sympathetic "ordinary Americans".

Sorry, who do you mean by "ordinary Americans"?
What the hell is the point of trying to rehabilitate the flag of colonial settler state that has no right to exist? If we aim for what we don't want, we might get it. I have no desire to see "socialism" under the stars and stripes, even if such a thing weren't brimming with horrifying contradictions.

As for flag-burning, the trick is to explain and contextualize it. Sure, a burning flag might offend people, but talking to people, handing out pamphlets, and establishing a relationship with people that lets them see why you are burning the flag (and make it personal - I am doing this because of x, y, z) they might still disagree, but they're way less likely to try and kick yr shit in.
Practically speaking, of course, a lot of flags are made of material that doesn't catch very well so you might need an accelerant (lots of dollar stores carry little cans of lighter fluid that ought to more than do the trick). Also, many flags tend to be made of material that melts - get a good pair of tough gloves if you don't want to napalm yr fucking hands!!!

That said, on the whole, you're way more likely to make a positive impact, and start some good dialogue by flying a Warrior Flag, or something. At least, that's been my experience.

http://media.portland.indymedia.org/images/2006/07/342609.jpg

Hell yeah.

PostAnarchy

19th November 2008, 23:55

Burning imperialist reactionary flags...such as the US flag is fun!! :):D

Comrade B

20th November 2008, 03:16

I burned the flag on July 4th... how is this thread still alive?

PostAnarchy

20th November 2008, 17:03

I burned the flag on July 4th... how is this thread still alive?

Eh? :confused:

Comrade B

20th November 2008, 23:52

This post was at the top of the forum yesterday. I made it before burning a flag on July 4th, I don't really get how there are still posts being made here.

wigsa

21st November 2008, 19:47

PostAnarchy

21st November 2008, 20:28

But here's the thing - revolutionary leftists do not want to be see as patriotic. Think about it for a second. What is patriotism? What are we being patriotic to? The state, the government.

These are inherently reactionary and oppressive institutions which we should be fighting against. The reformist model of just "getting along" with the bourgeois and marching up and down with the flag of your country singing its national anthem as some "Communist" parties did and probably still do, is self defeating and highly reformist. Worst of all it serves only reactionary and non-progressive ends in the hope of being "respectable" to the bourgeois media.

Comrade B

22nd November 2008, 00:18

seem very unpatriotic and hateful towards the country where they were born and raised.
I am unpatriotic by their definition. Patriotism here is nationalism. It doesn't matter I was raised here, that just makes me hate it more.

and have no time for the people who do it
Good. Then don't bother me with your shit.

Revy

22nd November 2008, 08:58

I don't fly the American flag, but I wouldn't burn it either. It's not something I agree with. I don't see it as productive, or revolutionary.

Revy

22nd November 2008, 09:06

I don't believe flag burning is ever a good idea.To be honest it makes the politically left,particularly in the United States,seem very unpatriotic and hateful towards the country where they were born and raised.There's no reason why lefties can't be patriotic,and there's no reason one can't be anti-establishment/anti-current day government while being patriotic at the same time.I find the whole concept of flag burning to be a load of rubbish to be honest,and have no time for the people who do it,apart from those still living in an imperialist state or monarchy.

What is important is arousing a nation to socialist ideas, not with patriotism. Burning a flag does neither, but provoke those who identify strongly with being American.

All nations in the Western Hemisphere were founded on colonialism and racism. You can't make a special case out of the U.S., the same applies for Cuba and Venezuela, where extensive use of patriotism exists among the "revolutionary left" movement. These flags of countries also built on stolen land.

I'm neither patriotic or anti-patriotic. I'm an internationalist. To those that would burn flags, I say grow up. You're not getting people to socialism in that way. Then again I would imagine the majority are anarchists, and they consider this somehow a form of 'direct action'.

wigsa

22nd November 2008, 16:14

I'm neither patriotic or anti-patriotic. I'm an internationalist. To those that would burn flags, I say grow up. You're not getting people to socialism in that way. Then again I would imagine the majority are anarchists, and they consider this somehow a form of 'direct action'.

I'd agree with you there.And to be honest I think that whole notion of burning a flag being direct action is a load of shite.Although people say that we do not want to be respected by the bourgeois,segregation of our movement is only going to limit those who agree with the principles of the left.As a middle class individual who attends a private school,I know what the best way to convert people from the centre or right to the left is.And it is NOT by burning flags and telling everyone how much you hate the country that has provided you with the ability to educate yourself about political ideals and become a left winger.We need to extend the hand of the left to those at the right,not heighten the divide and tension that already exists between the two groups.

If people want to continue to burn flags and talk down about their countries,by all means do,but don't expect to strengthen the movement in any way by doing it.

Comrade B

22nd November 2008, 21:17

Christ, you people seem to think that I had the notion that I was bringing on revolution by burning a flag

I was having fun in a boring town while pissing off some people that already hate me.

Anarchy w00t

23rd November 2008, 02:59

hahahaha it's funny to see how people here are against flag burning.
Burn the motherfucking flags they serve no purpose but dividing people yo.

Anarchists have no flag except the black and red flag which is more of a weapon against cops than a symbol. Commies on the other hand are a bit social-chauvinistic so I understand you guys for being lame and not burning flags.

Comrade B

23rd November 2008, 04:05

Anarchists have no flag except the black and red flag which is more of a weapon against cops than a symbol. Commies on the other hand are a bit social-chauvinistic so I understand you guys for being lame and not burning flags.
I am not an anarchist, but really, this is fucking ridiculous.
You know how we can really not piss people off

Not being communists

wigsa

23rd November 2008, 11:55

I am not an anarchist, but really, this is fucking ridiculous.
You know how we can really not piss people off

Not being communists

Yeah,go ahead and be anarchists instead,burn flags,fight the police,that's a much better method of getting people on your side.

Liberte ou la Mort

23rd November 2008, 12:26

wigsa

23rd November 2008, 13:32

This thread illustrates how irrelevant some of us here actually are. The idea of wannabe commies meeting together for a secret flag burning is hopelessly confused yet completely hilarious.

Sometimes I think that some of the people in here aren't really revolutionaries but just a bunch of teenagers trying to piss off their pathetic white middle class suburban community.

Totally agree.That's definately the case with the fella that started this thread.No interest in achieving anything,just want to piss a few people off and be seen as rebels.

Comrade B

27th November 2008, 22:15

Not being communists
sarcasm
I am a communist. I burn the flag because I was bored.
Also, I invite you to burn a flag in public in my town, go ahead. During an immigrants rights protest a while ago though, some people were hit by cars

wannabe commies
fuck you
really, fuck you
Clearly, because when I am bored I burn a flag occasionally, I must be a fake communist.

be seen as rebels.
Me and the two friends that did this are the only people that know who burned the flag. The military recruiters are the only others who saw the burnt flag.

I am sure I am just doing this for the sake of an image though.

The fact that you lazy ass whiny old farts give a shit about what I do when I am bored shows how utterly pathetic the modern communist movement is becoming.

Sometimes I think that some of the people in here aren't really revolutionaries
Just because I burn a flag, doesn't mean I don't attend rallies, I don't debate in defense of communism, and I don't understand my philosophy.

a bunch of teenagers
Sure, we are young, 17, 18, 18. Must make us a bunch of idiots.

trying to piss off their pathetic white middle class suburban community
2 of the people were homeless

Killfacer

27th November 2008, 22:30

Isn't this a slight over reaction? All he did was burn a flag, like he points out, he never thought it would start a revolution. It may have be naive for him to do so, but come on people. Calm down.

Invincible Summer

17th January 2009, 06:01

I'm surprised at how many people are anti-flag burning, considering they want to smash capitalism... yes, it's not revolutionary, but neither is posting on a forum.

Brother No. 1

23rd January 2009, 04:07

I really will never understand the "Americans" and their flag burnings hell they burn thier own flags it makes me wonder this. Am i sure I was born here?

deLarge

26th January 2009, 07:00

Be sure to dress up as nazis for when you burn it..

Plagueround

26th January 2009, 08:21

Be sure to dress up as nazis for when you burn it..

And why is that?

Dóchas

26th January 2009, 08:25

I really will never understand the "Americans" and their flag burnings hell they burn thier own flags it makes me wonder this. Am i sure I was born here?

arent you from texas? last time i heard thats in america

Brother No. 1

26th January 2009, 22:04

Yes it is but they act to a lets say a different degree then i do a very large different degree.

Comrade B

27th January 2009, 00:42

Agh! Why won't you die thread!!! This thread is a zombie. It dies for a few weeks and I live in peace, then suddenly, AGH! behind me in the mirror!

It is kind of like the old school Frankenstein movie, where the doctor is about to kill the monster when suddenly it comes back from sedation and kills him.

Code

27th April 2009, 04:09

The reason it won't die is because it has become more than just about your act of (some say pointless) rebelion.

Bitter Ashes

27th April 2009, 09:56

You loaded the thread into a speedboat and jetted it across the River Styx again... to say that? O.o
Why? It's clearly not bringing any new points up

JohnnyC

27th April 2009, 12:47

I'm surprised at how many people are anti-flag burning, considering they want to smash capitalism... yes, it's not revolutionary, but neither is posting on a forum.
Posting on a forum maybe isn't "revolutionary" but it may educate people about communism, while burning flag really don't educate people anything, and it may also piss of potential supporters.By the way, I'm not against burning flags for fun and sending political massage, I just wanted to make a distinction between flag burning and agitating communism through internet forum.