The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads:
"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."
Those 45 words separate democracy from tyranny. It’s a thin line, and it’s one that relies on all of us believing it matters and adhering to it. It relies on all of our elected officials espousing and upholding it, from fence viewer to the highest elected office in the land.
This amendment is what separates our government from others. It is unyielding and it is a stern taskmaster.
Our favorite part of the First Amendment is (for obvious reasons) Freedom of the Press. The government does not get to interfere with our work, and our coverage of the government on any level. Period - full stop.
You have the right to express your opinions even when our leaders disagree or do not like how they are portrayed or described. You may not be punished or censored for your words. Freedom of Speech means just that.
Freedom of Religion means our government may not establish a national religion, favor one denomination over another nor demonize someone’s faith. You have a right to practice your faith or not practice any faith. Moreover, no one’s religion may be demonized whether it is favored by those in power or not.
Don’t like what the government is doing in your name? The Right to Petition for redress of grievances protects your ability to take issue with that action. Use it as necessary. If you don’t call out wrongdoings, who will?
The right to Freedom of Assembly might be the best of all! We have the right to peaceably gather for protests, marches and association. Can anyone say Warren Fourth of July parade? Talk about Freedom of Assembly! We’re all in for it. See you there at 10 a.m. in Warren Village. -LAL
