Free Speech Is an Unalienable Right

A man’s refusal to stand for the Star Spangled Banner began as a personal protest. Fueled by conscience and anger the visible silent protest has now spread to every corner of our nation. It carries news power equal to our search for a new president.

At the very core of this protest is Amendment 1 of this nation’s Bill of Rights which was born of necessity because the founders sought a way to prevent “misconstruction or abuse of its powers” and to secure “the beneficent ends of the institution” which is our government.

Amendment 1         “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or the press, or of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.”  (Ratified On December 15, 1791)

Lost in almost every published discussion related to this protest is the obvious lack of understanding of the intent of the amendment. The amended Constitution does not say that you have to like, approve or support what someone does or says. It clearly states, however, that the words or demonstrations of individuals or groups as a method of protest are supported and protected by the Constitution.

I do not personally support the protesters or the issues they are raising. I morally and ethically do support their right to do so. If they cannot do so, we are in a world of hurt and our time as a great nation is nearly done.

Is there anyone out there who would care step forward to delete the First Amendment from the Constitution? How about the Second Amendment? Do you also see others we can do without?

I choose to use unalienable instead of inalienable because that is the word used in The Declaration of Independence. Both words are defined as, unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor.  My use of the word unalienable will become apparent when it is read in context. The rights in question were endowed by their Creator not men and cannot be undone. Re-read the declaration again and you will see what I mean.