Whether it is the moon landing, the shape of the Earth, Bigfoot’s existence, the designated hitter, chemtrails, Santa Claus, Roswell, 9/11, the theory of evolution, climate change, flag burning, abortion, politics, religion or whatever you choose. You have the right to espouse your beliefs, no matter how unpopular or upsetting they may be to others.
“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.”
The categories of speech that fall outside of the “abridging the freedom of speech” protection are obscenity, child pornography, defamation, incitement to violence and true threats of violence. Even in those categories, there are tests that have to be met in order for the speech to be illegal. Beyond that, we are free to speak, write and share.
Marches, rallies, speeches, demonstrations, meetings, lectures, blogs, chatrooms, messages, radio shows, etc, for the sharing of views and thoughts are permitted. Both positive and negative.
So is arguing, debating, challenging, disagreeing, and disputing in the same manner.
We are human. Prone to the weaknesses of emotion and other human frailties.
The rights as ascribed, in my opinion, is as near divine as any mortal could relay.
We are not.
“The right of the People peaceably to assemble” is another of the more interesting yet divine rights to be so eloquently relayed. Think of the vast number of gatherings we are a part of at any given moment: fundraisers, games, parties, concerts, celebrations, weddings and funerals just to name a few.
Are you a part of a gathering in the name of “peace”?
All too often, the actions of the few are reflected upon the views of the many. The undervaluing of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with the use of violence and destruction only to win a temporary moment in time threatens those very divine rights constantly. From fire hoses, to dogs, to riots, to acts of terror seen on a growing basis all over the world, including the toppling of statues, fighting and vehicular killing we’ve seen recently.
How does one combat racists in a non-violent way to achieve victory?
How does one combat facists in a non-violent way to achieve victory?
Keep arguing. Disagree. Understand you have no right to strike someone over their words, thoughts or beliefs.
Keep that right divine.
