Should the desecration of the flag of the United States of America be a hate crime?

[ADK Native]

Should the desecration of the flag of the United States of America be a hate crime?  Before you answer read this:

https://nypost.com/2021/09/16/ian-rawlinson-arrested-for-defacing-albany-blm-mural-with-kkk-graffiti/

The article states “Ian Rawlinson, 43, was slapped with a charge of criminal mischief as a hate crime for vandalizing the mural on Lark Street between Hudson Avenue and Lancaster Street, Albany police said.”

Charged with “a hate crime for vandalizing the mural”?

So they would never consider the symbol of the United States of America as sacred as a “mural” of an organization whose members have been well documented committing violent crimes against law abiding citizens and the police, and destroying property.  I remember listening to a BLM gathering in Brooklyn, NY with the Reverend Al Sharpton where the protestors chanted “WHAT DO WE WANT?  DEAD COPS!”.  Another example of the violent attitude that is protected by the First Amendment?

Unfortunately too many politicians support the desecration of the flag of the United States of America as protected speech, but a BLM mural is scared unlike the flag of the United States of America.  What I find disgusting is the fact that non-veteran politicians who support the desecration of the flag and unlike myself who served boots on the ground for two foreign wars against communism and one against a dictator will have the same American flag drape our coffins.

Edited September 21, 2021 by ADK Native

[ADK Native]

I think the penalty for Ian if found guilty would be to have him paint the American flag over the "mural" with the words "AMERICA, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!"

[Grouse]

The idea any crime can be labeled a "Hate Crime" needs to be trashed.  We cannot prove what was in the mind of any criminal at the time they broke the law.

The day we allowed the legal system to prosecute "hate crimes" was a day we all accepted a step towards tyranny.

As far as flag desecration goes, you can burn or trash an American flag, but will be prosecuted for burning a rainbow flag.  That's a perfect example of the tyranny of "hate crime" legislation.  It's all about controlling the masses to comply with the government's agenda.