Freedom of Speech, better watch what you say
I thought it fitting that the first real post I put on here is one about freedom of speech. I am just a “lay” person and I do not try to interpret the laws of this country. With that said, I have found some interesting facts on our, as citizens of the United States, freedom of speech right.
According to the constitutional website (US Const am 1), the first Amendment reads:
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. (US Const am 1)
Simple enough to some one like me, it seems to be very straight forward. However, I found that if you exercise your first Amendment right and am arrested (yes I said arrested for exercising your right), and don’t ask how I found that out.
To me, it seems like the powers that be are trying to interpret the law instead of using the law for what it was intended to do, protect the citizens of the United States. However, this writer, being only a plain citizen of the United States, does not have the right to question authority to find what is right and what is wrong, on the other hand I am a person that is subject to one person’s interpretation of the laws set forth.
More on this in the future
Bryan said,
July 31, 2008 at 12:10 am
I am a big fan of freedom of speech and all, but there are so many people out there that seem to be trying to take that away from us. Here, you cant really say what you want anymore without there being some consequences, I mean sure, it all depends on what you say and all, but here lately, you can be arrested for what you say, even if there is freedom of speech. Many people are incarcerated for saying what they believe, I know everyone has their own opinion and all, kinda like what we have here with this blog, but it seems nowadays you can be arrested on anything. Like you’re not supposed to say anything about bombs or assassination of the president over the phone, because “they” are listening over the phone lines……….Just take a good look at protestors, they end up getting the raw end of the deal when they are outside protesting their right to say what they feel. In the end, their voice ends up not to be heard at all. Of course, these are just my feelings about this…….
Jim said,
July 31, 2008 at 8:10 am
Bryan,
I totally agree. If you look at the news, the DNC and the RNC are putting protestors outside the areas where they can be heard. Is this right and just, no not at all, those people have the right to say what they feel so let them say it. Great words Bryan, I am sure more people feel the same way.
Darren said,
August 8, 2008 at 10:44 am
Just a quick comment. I am a firm believer in defending our freedoms and our individual rights based on God-given “inalienable rights.”
However, having the right to a”Freedom of Speech” is, like every “inalienable” right, a two-edged sword. Because … with the acceptance and use of a “right” … also must come the willingness to accept responsibility for the use … or misuse … of that right.
For example, the the Second Amendment guarantees us the right to keep and bear arms for protection and hunting, but it does not protect the use of that firearm while committing a crime.
You also do not have the right to “say anything you want.” Your rights end where they begin to infringe on the rights of another. You do not have the right to stand in the middle of an airport terminal and scream “bomb” at the top of your lungs just for kicks. That is inciting panic and can cause serious injury, both mentally and physically, to others.