Donald Trump received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. Let’s assume remediation is necessary and continuous…

On the First Amendment

Freedom of Expression

Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag – if they do, there must be consequences – perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2016

Had Trump enrolled in my American Government 101 course years ago, he would have learned about the First Amendment in relation to Freedom of Expression, particularly burning the American Flag. It’s also an excellent way to demonstrate the separation of powers and checks and balances established by our Constitution.

1989- Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (Flag burning incident at the 1984 RNC)

1989- Congress passes the Flag Protection Act

1990- U.S. v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310

Should we give him a pass since he graduated shortly after the McCarthy Era? Perhaps he didn’t get CNN or read the newspaper in 1989-1990—after all, most business professionals don’t concern themselves with Supreme Court decisions on civil liberties.

See also:

Timeline of Flag Desecration Issues

ACLU

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