The State's conviction is therefore unjust, based on its claim that Johnson has threatened societal order and peace. The State's conviction of Johnson, based on a responsibility to preserve the integrity of the flag as a representation of national unity and pride, brings about several questions involving the meaning of America itself, and what our nation stands for. The State concerns involve the message perceived by others, at the actions of Johnson. If a citizen can publicly destroy the symbol representing our nations pride and unity without consequences, then the State has concluded that it will be perceived that this pride and unity does not exist, having a negative impact on American society.

The First Amendment guarantees the right of free expression, not just positive expression consenting the government policies and our leaders, but negative expression condoning both as well. To convict Johnson for publicly burning a flag as a form of political protest, would convey an even more dangerous message to the American people, than to respect his right to do so. The message being that it is wrong and punishable by law to express

Some topics in this essay:
Supreme Court, Lee Johnson, flag burning, pride unity, threatened societal, form political, actions threatened societal, threatened societal peace, disorder disrupt peace, Gregory Lee, form political protest, responsibility preserve, amendment rights, johnson's actions, johnson's actions threatened, preserve integrity, conviction johnson, johnson's conduct,