thanks for the history lesson gentlemen--of course it's a symbol and a symbol that is probably revered, if not held sacred, by the vast majority of americans---a symbol of the freedoms they cherish living in the land of the free
it is for that very reason that the flag is chosen as an instrument of protest-----to spit upon, to burn, or in any way demean what americans hold sacred is,probably in the eyes of the protesters,
the most powerful and effective way to express their outrage or disgust at what they perceive to be an injustice
come on gentlemen--it's a protest--roll with the punches--you've been watching too many john wayne movies---hmmmmm-now there's a good way of protesting--burn john wayne in effigy
and yes doug,i'm canadian, who along with the vast majority of canadians are constantly amused at how easily american sensibilities are offended