The American Flag Stands for Tolerance: What words in the second paragraph convey Allen’s feelings toward the flag? Does understanding his attitude make you feel that his argument is stronger or weaker? Why?

In his editorial, Allen talks about the “sanctity of the human conscience” and the “enlightenment” that comes from debate. Explain how the connotations of these words convey his tone.

What ideas are expressed in both the editorial and the court opinion? Which argument do you find more convincing? Why?

A fallacy is an error in reasoning. Suppose Allen had included this sentence in his editorial: Anyone who wants to throw flag burners in jail is obviously not a supporter of the Constitution. In what way is this statement a fallacy? What would have been the effect of this sentence on Allen’s argument?

Allen discriminates, or distinguishes, between what people should do and what they should be allowed to do. How does he reconcile this apparent contradiction in his argument?