Constitution protects all

The Constitution is the lifeblood of America. Often times Americans confuse what is protected by nature with what they wish the Constitution should not protect. As Americans we must realize that we will encounter groups or people expressing views that contradict ours. From the right to protest, freedom of religion and of speech we must maintain an objective standard of respect to maintain legitimacy to our cause. From thousands protesting on the capitol steps in Wisconsin to demonstrations held by the Tea Party, we must realize there’s no difference between the rights of these assemblies. Both groups are using their rights to show disgust for an issue they feel passionately toward. This opens the floor for the groups who spew anti-patriotic views. Though this is staunchly against views held by Americans who are proud of this country we cannot get caught up in fighting against these views. We might not like what they are protesting, but we must respect their right to do so.

The right to assemble and petition injustices is crucial to our freedom in this country.  The right protest taken in a violent, disrespectful manner will no doubt have different repercussions than one demonstrated in a civil process. I do not think that it’s right to throw out the Constitution for specific circumstances of groups protesting. If America begins to censor certain groups this number will no doubt begin to grow subjectively and will limit our freedoms.

We want our freedoms protected on all accounts, but this notion changes when we find others displaying their freedom of speech when it disagrees with ours. We cannot use the Constitution to only protect our speech and expect it to not do the same for others. The Constitution is objective. It does not pander to the right or the left. Differences of speech and opinion lead to outrage against groups of different views. Differences of belief systems and political ideologies will no doubt incite difference in speech, but as a country we must rise above our differences and realize we are all American’s in this together. There should not be unwarranted fervor against opposing groups or individuals using their freedom of speech.

The first Amendment protects all necessary freedoms for us to assemble, protest, speak and believe how we wish. We cannot afford to label or stereotype individuals for biased reasons because of opposing views. Raging against a group in a disrespectful way for having contrary views will not change opinion, but only alienate others from seeing the view objectively.

The Constitution protects all Americans that do not wish to harm this country.  We have every right to speak, protest, practice or assemble in any manner we wish. However, Americans must realize to truly bring justice to their cause they must look beyond the differences of the opposition and come to terms in what ways a respectful, civil manner can truly have a positive affect shedding light on the issues of importance.

Posted by Ben Elliot on Apr 2 2011. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.