The 1st Amendment Right and You

The first amendment right to freedom of speech does not only apply to you. Get that? You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.

This article is intended for both Obama and McCain supporters who are upset that their newspaper of choice has endorsed the wrong candidate in their opinion. McCain supporters have more to complain about since 134 newspapers have endorsed Barack Obama compared to 52 who endorse McCain.

The Bill of Rights has 10 Amendments, which the first one claims:

“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.”

This is our first right and it is one that Americans regardless of race, religion, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation or political affiliation cherish. I have become disturbed though that there are certain individuals that make irrational decisions and do not honor the oppositions point of view.

Folks, this is the number one threat to the first amendment right. A lack of reciprocity regardless if Republicans or Democrats instigate it, is detrimental to our fundamental right to freedom of speech.

I am saddened at the state of our political environment where people cannot voice their opinion without fearing backlash. Negative ramifications should not be the norm when people express dissenting opinions.

You have the right to support any political candidate you want. Newspapers have the same right to exercise this option. You also have the right as a consumer to cease any relationship with a business for whatever reason you choose.

This does include but is not limited to reasons such as “differing political views.” It is however ignorant and un-American for someone to use this as an excuse.

Just because your newspaper of choice endorsed the other guy, it does not make your decision to cancel your subscription okay. You are a hypocrite to expect others to honor your freedom of speech when you deny others of their same right.

As Voltaire so eloquently stated, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.”