The introduction of a proposed new law in Illinois that would make it a crime to fly the American flag upside down on government property has ignited a fierce debate about free speech and the right to political expression, according to a new report from Just the News.
The proposed legislation, put forward by State Rep. Harry Benton, is a response to a recent incident where a local official, Steve Balich, ordered the national flag to be flown upside down after former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts.
Benton believes that such actions are disrespectful and politically motivated, saying, “The flag of the United States is an enduring symbol of our national spirit and pride, and of the sacrifices made by every generation of Americans.” He also called out Balich’s actions, stating, “The public official who made this sad choice – to disrespect our nation’s flag and everything it stands for – may be disappointed in the outcome of a certain criminal trial, but that is no excuse.”
But not everyone is on board with Benton’s idea.
State Rep. David Friess, an air force veteran, believes that flying the flag upside down is a form of free speech that should be protected, even if you don’t agree with the message. “Even as a veteran, I don’t lose my cool … I understand that one of the greatest freedoms we have is free speech and I may not agree with an individual if he or she flies the flag upside down, but I absolutely respect your right to do that,” Friess said.
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Friess also called out the hypocrisy of the Democratic party, which has been pushing to make various behaviors legal while trying to impose huge fines for an act that he believes is protected by the First Amendment. “This comes at a time when the Democrat party is doing everything they can to decriminalize any and all behavior. Anytime there’s a penalty enhancement their hair catches on fire. So, you’re going to fine somebody $25,000 for an expression of what I would think would be covered by the First Amendment,” Friess added.
The proposed law not only wants to make flying the flag upside down a crime but also slaps a fine of up to $25,000 for doing so.
Illinois State Rep Harry Benton (97th District) Wants To Criminalize
Flying American Flag Upside Down Stifling The First Amendment https://t.co/tqEWUxAe6x pic.twitter.com/SXGARRGhjN— NakedVeritas (@NakedVeritas) June 20, 2024
Benton claims that his bills, House Bill 5860 and House Bill 5861, make it clear that the flag can only be flown upside down in situations of extreme danger or distress, as stated in the U.S. Flag Code.
This proposed law is not just wrong, it’s also unconstitutional.
The Democratic party seems to want to criminalize anything and everything they don’t like, and it’s both disgusting and anti-American.
The right to free speech and political expression is a fundamental part of American democracy, and any attempts to suppress these freedoms should be met with strong opposition.
Moreover, the timing of this legislation is particularly worrying, as it comes when many people in the country believe that America is in distress after former President Trump was convicted while running for office again.
As Friess pointed out, “You have a former president prosecuted. And I firmly believe that the only reason he was prosecuted is because he’s running for president again. Had he not thrown his hat in the ring for 2024 … they would not have prosecuted him, no doubt in my mind.”
This proposed legislation sets a dangerous precedent and goes against the very principles that the United States was built on.
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As Americans, we must stand up against such attempts to take away our freedoms and protect our right to express our political beliefs, even if they may be unpopular or controversial.
