The way I see it, cross burning and flag burning are ok if done on private property such as a rally, etc. When done on public property, then it should be prosecuted. When done on a neighbor's property, then it should be prosecuted.

I live in a part of the country where the nazis used to march down mainstreet once a year brandishing swastikas and white sheets. They don't now because they were sued and lost their compound. (they attacked some passerbys when their car backfired, talk about bad luck) Now most of them have moved in with their brothers in Pennsylvania. When they lived here, I saw no legal problem with their actions as long as they remained on their compound, or marched with the proper parade permit so long as they didn't destroy public or (others) private property. They were a nuisance, that were properly dealt with (the so-called security gaurds who attacked the parresbys are in prison) when the nuisance became a threat. That is IMO how it should always be handled.

So i see a big difference in lighting up a cross on you black neighbor's lawn and lighting one up on your own private property. One is criminal the other is not.

-Steve G.