"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."
These words make us unique in the world, what we commonly call "Free Speech." Simple in concept, difficult in execution.
It's OK for the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at a fallen soldier's funeral spewing all sorts of vitriol. The huge majority of us want them stopped. But the Supreme Court says it's OK for them to continue. The Court also says it's OK for video game companies to sell extremely violent games to teens and younger.
All because of the 1st Amendment.Free speech.
But don't yell "Fire" in a crowded theater. That will get you arrested. Don't describe the President as a male organ on a cable news program. That will get you suspended from work.
A newspaper can voice its opinion about who we should vote for on the editorial page. But journalistic ethics prohibit, at least in theory, a reporter from expressing personal views in a story about politics.
What's the difference? I have no idea. I'm not a lawyer. So while the 1st Amendment is far from perfect, it sure beats the alternative.
The precious right to sound off on just about anything, regardless of whether anyone agrees with us is just that, precious. Certainly something to contemplate as we celebrate our freedom this day.
Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations.
These words make us unique in the world, what we commonly call "Free Speech." Simple in concept, difficult in execution.
It's OK for the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at a fallen soldier's funeral spewing all sorts of vitriol. The huge majority of us want them stopped. But the Supreme Court says it's OK for them to continue. The Court also says it's OK for video game companies to sell extremely violent games to teens and younger.
All because of the 1st Amendment.Free speech.
But don't yell "Fire" in a crowded theater. That will get you arrested. Don't describe the President as a male organ on a cable news program. That will get you suspended from work.
A newspaper can voice its opinion about who we should vote for on the editorial page. But journalistic ethics prohibit, at least in theory, a reporter from expressing personal views in a story about politics.
What's the difference? I have no idea. I'm not a lawyer. So while the 1st Amendment is far from perfect, it sure beats the alternative.
The precious right to sound off on just about anything, regardless of whether anyone agrees with us is just that, precious. Certainly something to contemplate as we celebrate our freedom this day.
Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations.
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