Freedom of Speech

         The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees us the right of free speech.  Unfortunately, some extremists think we should have free speech only if that speech agrees with what they believe. This includes political, religious, race, and gender extremists. 

        Two Islamic extremists attacked a Muhammad cartoon contest in Garland, Texas.  An alert traffic cop put the two gunmen down.  Some political extremists try to make the argument that freedom of speech should not allow people to offend Muslims with a Muhammad cartoon contest.  I agree the contest was probably a stupid idea, but that right is certainly protected under the First Amendment.

        I get frustrated with the political correctness of avoiding offending Muslims.  We are at war with radical Islam and they are Muslims.  Muslims need to rise up against radical Islam. 

        Freedom of speech does not give radical Islam or anyone else the right to use the Internet for recruiting Jihadist fighters to kill Americans.  This is a terrorist act of war and should be dealt with as such.

        Why is it we are only concerned about offending Muslims?  Christians are made fun of every day and it is totally acceptable.  Christians are restricted in how they can practice their religion in a clear violation of First Amendment rights.  Politicians sometimes refer to Christians as right-wing extremists.  How did this happen in a country founded on Christian principles?

        Some words are considered politically offensive, but freedom of speech gives us the right to use them.  The “N” word is one of the most offensive, but I was recently in a production of To Kill A Mockingbird and the “N” word was used extensively.  The word was necessary for a realistic production. 

        I had a sister who fought cancer for decades.  I lovingly refer to he as a “tough broad”.  I certainly don’t feel the word “broad” is derogative used that way.  Different words have different meanings for different people and we have the right to use these words. 

        There are restrictions to our right to free speech.  For example, we cannot yell FIRE in a crowded theater creating a panic.  We cannot incite a riot. That is a crime.  If we intentionally slander someone, we may be liable for that action.  If we lie under oath, it is perjury and a felony. 

        I feel our elected officials and leaders should be held to a higher standard and not a lower standard.  Why is it okay for an elected representative to make flagrant lies on the floor of Congress and not be subject to any prosecution?  I strongly support the right to free speech, even if stupid, but politicians need to be held to the same standard or a higher standard. 

        We need to elect political representatives that are honest and trustworthy.