The flag must be burned when it becomes unusable or in contact with the ground. There are guidelines for it and it is acceptable to burn under these guidelines. \nI disagree that it acceptable to burn as a form of protest. It is a symbol of your right to protest among a host of other things and as such should be treated with the respect that it deserves. \nYou may not agree with the government, but don't take it out on your constitutional rights as an American and take it out on the flag. That is misplaced aggression. \n\nIf you burn the flag because you hate the country, then hopefully you are burning it in another country that you have adopted as your new home.