"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."
There are several important issues addressed here: establishment of religion and prohobition of religion; freedom of speech and freedom of the press; peaceable assembly and petitioning the government. I'll take a look at each in turn.
Religion has been a very hot topic throughout history. Various groups have fled their homelands in order to safely and freely practice their beliefs. The framers of the Consitution realized that the creation of a national religion would be detrimental to all of those who had helped to form this new nation.
In modern times, the debate continues. "Separation of chuch and state" is a phrase that is thrown around a lot. This part of the first amendment is the origin. Of course the meaning that phrase has nothing to do with the writing. Displaying religious objects at government buildings does not violate the first amendment in any way.
Another current topic for discussion is the requirement for "feet washing" stations at universities. This mandation, however, is a violation of this amendment. Why are public schools barred from student prayers? See the inconsistancy?
Freedom of speech is always a fun discussion. "Why can't I say '#@$!*'?" That's not the purpose of this liberty. Outside the laws protecting people from slander, we are free to make statements about our government, other people, etc. whether fact or opinion. Which rolls us right into the secons half of this piece.
The press was a very important part in rallying support for the revolution. Many non-sactioned writings were published and distributed which could not be in the mainstream press due to the restrictions put in place by the king. Currently there is a "Fairness in Media" bill being debated. Since the Marxists and Socialist cannot maintain a talk radio presence, they are trying to silence the great shows which have been broadcasting for years.
The right to peaceable assembly has great history of which most people have some knowledge. Ever heard of the Boston Tea party? Since the founders did not have representation in the British government, they found other ways to be "heard." Rallies and marches are a staple to many movements for groups of citizens to voice their opinions to the government.
Have a grievance? An assembly is an option, but there are other channels. Let your representatives know. You have elected them (more on that with the 17th amendment) and they are to listen to your views. That's why they have the title which they have and serve in the legislative branch where they serve.
I hope that this has been a bit insightful. Stay tuned for more. Comments for discussion are welcome.
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2 comments:
A few comments and questions . . .
1. What are you talking about a requirement for feet washing stations?
2. Was the Boston Tea Party a peaceful gathering, or a form of disobedience to the government. If you don't like the government, do something to change it, not social disobedience that hurts your fellow countrymen more than the government you hate.
3. Statements like "What the &^%$?" clearly demonstrate a disrespect for authority and dignity and should be silenced. I think that is what you are saying . . . isn't it? We can and should say what is going on when we disagree with others, but vulgarity is never tollerable. It only diminishes what we are saying to childish whining.
I agree 100% that you speak freely on these matters, though I don't nessisarily agree wholeheartedly with all of your opinions. Thus I have a right to say so - Thanks Amendment #1, you're #1 in my book too!
1) http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,291569,00.html
2) How many were killed at the Boston Tea Party? The colonial government representatives had attempted to have the ships simply depart without unloading. That request was denied and thus the dumping.
3) Words are just words. The offensive nature is generated by those hearing the words. Most curse words have meaning and history. With the uprising Political Correctness, more and more words and phrases have become naughty.
Any form of censorship is bad. Freedom of speech needs to be unabridged.
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