Our Voice

The Colonnade sponsored a free food festival on Front Campus this past Wednesday. The allure of free food drew in over 100 people. But there was one little catch: before entering, those attending had to sign away their First Amendment rights.

Sounds pretty painless, right? After all, free food is free food. Wrong. Students who took the bait had to do jumping jacks, could only talk about certain topics and even had to swap plates with others in attendance, all at the whim of the yellow armband-wearing goons, bouncers and dictators who maintained order.

While the demonstration was just one hour, it served to raise awareness about our First Amendment rights.

Under the First Amendment, we have the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble and the right to redress grievances.

According to the First Amendment Center, just 4 percent of Americans surveyed knew all five of those rights named.

We at The Colonnade appreciate the importance of the First Amendment. It is what allows us to get the news to you without censorship. It is what allows you to join a religious organization – or any organization, for that matter. It gives you the right to disagree with the government.

So, why not exercise your rights? City council elections are just days away, and you have the right to make your voice heard. Early voting has already begun, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

The First Amendment also gives you the right to utilize the Free Speech Zone, which is located by the flagpole on Front Campus. This area is a designated place for protesting and can be used by any student, however those not affiliated with GCSU must make arrangements with Student Affairs.

Over the past few weeks Registered Student Organizations around campus have posted voter registration stands encouraging students to vote in Baldwin County elections. Although the deadline has passed for this Election Day, you can always register at the Baldwin County Court House, located at 121 N. Wilkinson St.

Please send responses to

ColonnadeLetters@gcsu.edu.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 23 2009. Filed under Our Voice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry