Sunday, June 15, 2008

First Amendment, it still is the law

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I am amazed lately at hearing and reading how people, of all persuassions, want to deny others exercise of the First Amendment. I see it happening with all the amendments, but the attack seems to be more prolific on the 1st.
As most of you know, Denver is hosting the DNC in August. Once again, the powers that be, have decided that all protests shall be held in a "free-speech zone". WTFO?!? According to the Constitution, which is the basis of all law in this country, the whole nation is a free speech zone. Is it that the high and mighty don't care what "We the People" have to say? People get aressted for passing out videos on the 16th St Mall?!? The 1st Amendment does not say that peaceable assembly and speech that we like is protected, it says all speech is protected. What part of this is hard to understand? You not liking what someone says is not grounds to deny them the ability to say it. If you don't like it, walk away, plain and simple.
Don't you realize that when you quash someone elses right of speech, yours may be next? It sets a precedent, and not a good one. Pull your heads out, people. If this keeps happening, the Constitution will be gutted, and meaningless.
Why do you think the ACLU supported the KKKs right to march? Not because they agree with the Klan, but the right is more important than ideology.
Protesting is not new, especially in a time of war. Every war in this country has been accompanied by protest, including WW2. If you don't know this, search it out, and study it. WW1 veterans were one of the largest groups leading the protests, it also birthed Pacifica Radio, as a voice for protest.
If your are so limited in your worldview, and so fragile that you cannot handle being challenged on your beliefs, you are not informed, you are simply a follower.
A sheep, if you will. What are sheep led to? Inform yourself, read everything, come to your own conclusions. I don't care if they match mine, but know why you believe what it is you believe.
And above all, throw off the blinders of ideology, and support anyones rights as enumerated in the Constitution, agreement or not, or you will be next!