the flag is folded respectfully
and Teller brings out a laminated copy of the Bill of Rights.
Penn had one question to ask:

"What if you were to burn a flag (or symbolically so)
not in disgust, not in protest of anything,
but as a simple celebration of the freedoms that flag represents?"

interesting question, I must admit.
I had always thought of burning the American flag as disrespectful.
But now they had it wrapped in the Bill of Rights.

Freedom of speech means freedom to burn the flag, it's true.
But what are these two nuts about to do?
Penn: "The Bill of Rights says we can do anything.

That includes covering the end
with this chemically treated piece of paper (they do)
and using this eccentric magic wand to do this..."

he touches the end of the lighter to the paper and it goes up.
a flame shoots through the tube.
Teller unrolls it.

THE FLAG IS GONE!
"But it's okay, because even if the flag is gone
the Bill of Rights remains."

it makes you think.
the illusion is beautiful
and wonderfully patriotic.

the disrespect I once associated with burning
will forever be replaced by respect, thoughtfulness,
for our rights as Americans.

I will forever think of that "eccentric magic wand"
that beautiful flag blowing in the wind,
and the Bill of Rights that will always remain.

Matthew Timms AKA Psycho