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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
News We're celebrating First Amendment Day a little early this year
Posted By Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman on Tue, Sep 28, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Technically, the University of North Carolina's 2nd annual First Amendment Day isn't until Thurs., Sept. 30. But, Charlotte's so darn excited about the First Amendment that we just can't contain ourselves, so we decided to get the party started first thing Monday morning. (Two examples: one, two.)
Since you're all aflutter about the First Amendment (and who isn't?), here it is:
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.
Say what you want, people. Believe what you want. Viva la prensa libre! (Long live the free press!) Government, sit yo' self down. We've got some shit to say, and you're gonna listen. In fact, we might just hold a rally.
Listen up: If we don't understand our rights, if we don't use them and stand up for them, we risk losing them. So, speak up! Don't be shy. Say what you need to say. Advocate for your beliefs. Publish your thoughts on the Internet or on paper ... your choice. Get yourself a T-shirt that reads, "I can say 'fuck' if I want to," and wear it wherever you want. Get yourself a picket sign. Go to the most radical church you can find, or the most traditional. Or, believe nothing at all. You pick. They're your rights. Express them as you see fit.
And, never forget this: The First Amendment isn't only about protecting your rights to free speech, to worship as you choose, to hold a rally, to publish what you want ... it's about every citizen's right to do all of those things. If you love the First Amendment, as I do, then you'll respect everyone's right to express themselves just as fervently as you'd protect your own right to do so.
Why? Because none of us know it all. But, when we share our ideas — however colorful, dumb or dull — we can crowdsource the best mix of them. Get it? Sharing makes us better. Allowing others to explore their ideas and beliefs may well teach us something about our own. Standing up for your own beliefs is empowering, and if you don't do it who will?
Here's Larry Flint, the infamous publisher of Hustler, whose own First Amendment battles lead him to the Supreme Court and a wheel chair. He also has a website that advocates for First Amendment rights. You should really listen to what he has to say in this video:
Rhiannon "Rhi" Bowman is an independent journalist who contributes snarky commentary on Creative Loafing's CLog blog four days a week in addition to writing for several other local media organizations. Additionally, she's on the steering committee for the Greater Charlotte Society of Professional Journalists. To learn more, click the links or follow Rhi on Twitter.
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Comments (3)
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Now I'm sure Billy Bob is our old friend Frankie Boy. He's the only one who doesn't just disagree with a blog post, but also complains that the writer didn't write about something else. It's also funny how so many 2nd Amendment backers are the same ones who say they revere the Constitution but are constantly trying to amend it to ban gay marriage, outlaw burning flags, repeal birth citizenship, and whatever other bur the wingnuts like Frank "Billy Bob" Griffin have under their saddles.
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There are some libertarians who walk the walk. But for the most part, I've found the vast majority of those who call themselves libertarians only have a vague notion of what that even means. It's often seemed as if they just like the sound of the few libertarian ideas they've heard because it confirms their "right" to be selfish pricks.
I suspect that John's performance was brilliant and it's a shame that the live feed was cut. They should have let it roll. However, I would guess that if a transcript was provided before hand, John's part in TEDx would have been pulled. The first amendment "Congress shall make no law...." provides that our government never censor our speech. However, it is not a one way street. While John has a right to express himself anyway he wants the same force of law provides that TEDx has a right to pull the plug. A broad based interpretation of the 1st Amendment is flawed thinking, for it is the same force of law that considers burning a cross in my Jewish neighbor’s front yard, a hate crime and not an expression of free speech. You can wear your T-shirt, but at the front door of Belk's that right is lost, because it is surpassed by the rights of the property owner. So you can shout it from the mountain top; just don't shout it in my bedroom window at 3am or at TEDx. Just for fun, we've put a link to John Love's performance at Cedar Posts check it out: http://cedarposts.blogspot.com
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