Flag Burning

Flag burning anarchists:

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Two Sarasota teens accused of burning six  American flags have been charged with arson and manufacturing a  firebomb.

Scott A. Baber and Brian A. Richard III, both 18, told deputies they burned the flags because they are anarchists and disagree with the war in Iraq and other U.S. government policies.

They set fire to six flags Sunday and tried to firebomb a car,  the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said.

Richard remained in jail Tuesday on $402,120 bail. Baber was  released Monday on $101,120 bail.

The pair were charged with arson, manufacture of a fire bomb and  criminal mischief.

Baber and Richard burned about five flags at homes in the Bent Tree subdivision, where they live with Baber's parents, then set fire to a flag at its clubhouse, said Lt. Chuck Lesaltato, a spokesman for the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.   

"Our deputies came up on them as they were returning to their  car," he said.    

The arrest of his son surprised Brian Richard II. 

"His grandfather was a decorated military man. The whole thing really stunned me. I was really sad that they made that choice," the elder Richard said.   

Residents of the golf course community were also upset. 

"How stupid," Pat Davidson said, straightening the stones surrounding her blackened flagpole. "What kind of thrill would you get burning an American flag?"