The Constituion states that "ALL men are equal" and congress should not support any religions, 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.
But do Americans REALLY have that privilage? How do you feel on this issue as American citizens? Is your voice really heard when you go to public places or are you afraid to voice your opinion because you are afraid of getting put down. On a religious perspective, share your thoughts about the freedom of speech.
2007-02-20 06:17:35 · 22 answers · asked by Melissa Svetlana Flavored Coffee 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I realize "All men are created equal" is from the Declaration of Independance but all other things come from the constituion. But doesn't writing the Declaration justify my case?
2007-02-20 06:23:20 · update #1
Hello.. I have a copy of the constitution right here. I know freedom of speech, etc. is in the amendments!
2007-02-20 06:30:15 · update #2
I'm not asking anyone to agree with me. I just want to see what people think about this issue! And the Declaration is signed and passed so that means we live by it... don't we! Otherwise, if it wasn't a true document then we should be still obeying the British. Helllo!
2007-02-20 09:07:29 · update #3
Free as long as you have the money to pay for it.
2007-02-20 06:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The first amendment in the Bill of Rights states, "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. "
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.htm
I wonder and worry about how our freedoms have slowly been taken away from us. Did you know that there is a bill (the "Fairness Doctrine") currently before congress that is designed to restrict the rights of privately-owned radio stations to air their beliefs without being required to give equal air time to opposing beliefs?
http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/13103
If this goes through, our privately-owned radio stations will be once again policed by our government for any views that they might consider, "controversial". Religious radio could be greatly affected. They would no longer be "allowed" to state views like pro-life without being forced to air other views that their audience doesn't agree with. I've never been a Christian (and many times disagree with their views) but I feel that they deserve the basic right of speaking their views on their privately-owned stations. If people don't want to hear it, they can switch the station. I like listening to Boortz, Rush, and Hannity but if this law is reinstated, the future for talk radio is bleak. And so is the future of another of our fundamental rights.
2007-02-20 08:54:12 · answer #2 · answered by Witchy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From a very early age, I didn't believe all men were created equal.
You may be free to say what you want, but boy there are consequences. You could be black balled & try fighting it. You could even be eliminated.
It's sad b/c our forefathers meant well, but hay even back then it was man not woman.
We are free in our minds & souls. The reason I say that is after reading Victor Frankel's Man's search for Meaning, I realized that no one can make you think or feel something if your will is strong enough.
So you may keep your own silence, but you'll feel & believe whatever suits you.
It's not necessarily needing to voice it or convince others. You can keep your own counsel & be at peace with it.
Besides it's usually after the great speaker die that everyone realizes they were right.
2007-02-20 06:34:33 · answer #3 · answered by ♣Hey jude♣ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech does not mean that anyone will believe you or even listen to you.
And you are quoting the Declaration (which has NO legal standing) not the Constitution. The Declaration was written a decade before the Constitution, not after it.
You have the right to express your opinion, do NOT expect anyone will agree with you and if you are afraid to experss your opinion because someone will "put you down" then you should keep your opinion to yourself.
2007-02-20 06:21:55 · answer #4 · answered by Sherilynne B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Privilege? No way hon, it's not a privilege, it's a right. And here's a part that you left out, with that right comes the responsibility of that freedom. Yeah, you have the right to speak out in public places of your political ideas, but you must also live with the jeers and put-downs that will come of it.
This is why Proverbs has so many things about speaking with wisdom in it; just because you have the right to speak out doesn't mean you should stupidly use it. Use wisdom in what you say and do.
2007-02-20 06:24:07 · answer #5 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's supposed to be however it's not. For example I think America has turned into a Christian nation. I'm saying that because so far it seems that only Christians have run the USA and well for example if your a Muslim you get deemed a bloodthirsty terrorist. No Americans don't have the original privlages that this country was founded on. I'm an American Muslim.
2007-02-20 06:31:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Constitution says noting of the kind. You are thinking about the Declaration of Independence.
2007-02-20 06:22:04 · answer #7 · answered by tain 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Is your voice really heard when you go to public places or are you afraid to voice your opinion because you are afraid of getting put down"
Freedom of speech doesn't mean I'm going to be heard. People have a right to ignore me. And they have a right to put me down, too. That is what they call "an open exchange of ideas."
Choosing to hold back on religious (or political) discusion does not mean your rights are being denied.
2007-02-20 16:04:38 · answer #8 · answered by Smart Kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
America is more free than most other countries. There are always people passing rules and laws to control behaviors of others in the name of security and society, and we are not very good at telling those people off. Still, it's generally livable and changes are possible under current laws.
2007-02-20 06:23:50 · answer #9 · answered by justdennis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it REALLY is the land of the free.
The thing that always confuses people is that one of the prices of freedom is that you're held accountable for everything you say and do. So, you can be "free" to say anything you like, so long as you're willing to accept the responsibility and the consequences of doing so.
Now, if you thing freedom should come without consequences, then you're looking for ANARCHY....and THAT America is NOT.
2007-02-20 06:23:12 · answer #10 · answered by bradxschuman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
The US has the world's largest inmate population--both in actual number and per-capita--as well as people on probation or parole (who can be subjected to incarceration if they violate). For years now, it's been setting new record highs even though violent and property crimes have been in decline. This phenomenon is attributable to America's 35+ year failed "War on Drugs" in attempt to "send the right message to young people."
Every election year Republicans and Democrats spout out their drivel about cracking down with increased penalties and longer sentences as if there is no cost in keeping the offender locked up. It ranges anywhere between $20-30 Thousand per inmate per year. Many states reduce funding for education in order to finance the BOOMING corrections industry. GREAT "message" to send young people!
2007-02-20 06:54:15 · answer #11 · answered by S D Modiano 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋