Amendment I, Part 2

Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America:

"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 the petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

In the last post, we addressed the freedom of religion, and the mythical "wall of separation".
I think the Constitution is clear enough and unambiguous enough in language to give us a clear understanding. We'll turn our attention to the second of the two points that I feel are the most abused; the right to freedom of speech.

What IS freedom of speech? It should be simple, after all; again the language is unambiguous. However, after years of abuse, who can tell.

These abuses started way back in America's infancy. In 1798 the "Alien and Sedition Acts" were passed; said to be needed because of the skirmishes with France. The Sedition Act expired in 1801, and the meddling was minimal until about 1917 when the Espionage Act of 1917, and the Sedition Act of 1918 were passed. These were said to be needed to quell any public outcry against The Great War. So, in order for the government, with President Woodrow Wilson leading the push, to follow through with it's agenda, it was thought that muzzling the people was the best plan. We couldn't have people speak out against the President, it might make others begin to wake up and take notice.

Fast forward to modern day. We have restrictions all around us. We have "McCain-Feingold", restricting how much money you can give to the candidate of your choice--you know, the free market is one of the best uses of freedom of speech out there, you like a product, you speak up with your purchase, if not, the product will soon disappear if not enough people want it. We can't have those pesky conservatives getting more support now can we?

We have the restriction of mentioning God in public places. I read an article yesterday of a Minister that left her post because the Hospice she worked for forbade using "God" in some prayers and counseling situations. This should actually class as religious infringement as well.
We have infringement in how we are supposed to talk about race, disability, gender and sexual orientation. Laws are being passed that make it a "hate crime" to disagree with the homosexual agenda. Just try to speak up with a conservative viewpoint. You'll be harangued and vilified. Our children are being taught that the homosexual lifestyle is acceptable against parents wishes. Parents are told in essence "too bad, we don't have to inform you." We have college professors being fired or for even bringing Intelligent Design into the classroom discussion. (Watch "Expelled" by Ben Stein, it's fabulous)
Freedom of speech seems only to apply if you agree with the liberal point of view.

The words ring out at me "...or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press..."
This is happening everywhere. Conservative columns are being dropped, the "Fairness Doctrine" is trying to be brought in through a back door, and everywhere conservatives are demonized by their liberal counterparts.

But it won't work. You have the freedom to speak your mind. You have the right to conservative, God-fearing views. And we have a great need for people to speak up. Please don't let the "other side" make you feel that you need to back down. Know the facts of your topic, and stick to your guns.
"They" won't win. This is a continuation of the battles fought in Heaven, and God will prevail, but He needs us to do our part; to uphold that sacred document we call our Constitution, and once again, that means becoming educated; learning exactly what your rights are. Knowing the Constitution.

The other two points, the right to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances are also being trampled. Pay attention to what's happening in your communities and your states. Write letters. Call your elected officials. Speak up when you see abuses happening. "They" need to know we are watching. Please, please take notice.