Free speech is speaking one's mind without getting arrested for saying it. Free speech, however, does not allow someone to do whatever they want. For example, they can speak out about a politician's views. They can not destroy property or assault someone though. The same goes for the flag. You can speak against it, but you shouldn't destroy it. Especially if it is someone else's property.

The first amendment gives all citizens the right to free speech, but this is being used on topics that have nothing to do with free speech. One being burning the American flag. The American flag symbolizes freedom and democracy which is why people have made the argument that burning the flag is speech, but that is not the case. The freedom of speech was given so that people could voice their opinions without being tried and convicted for treason, which has nothing to do with the American flag. This because the flag is a symbol of the entire nation, not just certain topics, and should be treated and therefore protected as such.