The First Amendment

I am ashamed to admit that I did not know specifically what the First Amendment states until I looked it up today. For your reference, I have copied it here. "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."

The news has been inundated with stories about battles over freedom. There are brave men and women fighting overseas for our freedom to live. Battles are raging in our schools over our freedom to pray. There are battles erupting in town hall meetings over our freedom to select our own healthcare and express our concerns. And most recently, in response to John Mackey’s proposal of an alternative healthcare reform plan, a group has decided to call for a boycott of Whole Foods. None of these violate our First Amendment rights, and yet the press, some elected officials and organizations like the ACLU are crying “Foul!” against any opinion that differs from theirs.

You may wonder why I am writing about this topic - I am confused about why the Constitution is not being upheld to protect those for whom it was written - the people of the United States of America. Arresting someone for praying, no matter when or where, violates First Amendment rights. According to what is written, a person is not to be prohibited from the exercise of religion. Voters should not be called hate-mongers, Nazis, and right-wing extremists for standing up for their right to choose and state their concerns to their elected officials over a bill that could dramatically impact their quality of life. Those who choose to boycott Whole Foods have every right to shop elsewhere, but John Mackey did nothing to deserve this action by presenting his thoughts on the proposed healthcare bill.

A document written to govern all cannot be twisted to impose mandates on some. I find this very perplexing. Why have a constitutional right if it only applies to a select few? My purpose is not to make a political statement with this post. I just wonder how far we will allow our freedoms to be limited before we, as a nation, stand up and shout, “Enough is enough!”

Thank you for allowing me the freedom to stand on my soapbox for a moment. If you like what you read and wish to leave a comment, please scroll to the bottom of the post and use the comment box. I would love the feedback.

Thanks for reading and be well.