The right wing's war against the 1st Amendment

Amendment I
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.

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In today's political landscape, if you strongly support the 1st Amendment, you are labeled as "anti-American" and/or "anti-Christian". The right wing knows that supporting free speech is a core Democratic value, which is why they love things like the Flag Amendment. If Democrats stick to their principles, they are attacked as "anti-American" for not "protecting the flag". If the more timid Democrats support the Amendment, they will be going against Democratic principles and will end up looking weak. The right wing attempted the same thing with the Federal Marriage Amendment, an attempt to use their established religion to write discrimination into the Constitution. Fortunately, even many Republicans weren't falling for this one, and it came crashing down. Still, the right wing villifies those who oppose religious-based discrimination as "anti-Christian" and "anti-family". Any time a person or group such as the ACLU stands up against the establishment of a religion, they are demonized as being "anti-Christian", even though they are only trying to make sure no religion is given preferential treatment over another.

I find it despicable that the right wing uses sacred cows like patriotism and religion to squash free speech and the 1st Amendment. What I find sadder is that voters allow themselves to fall for this, allowing the right wing to make them vote with their heart rather than their brains. The Flag Amendment is apparently only one vote away from passing, and I think that is very alarming. It also means that many Democrats are giving in to the pressure, which is what the right wing is counting on. When are people going to wake up and see how they are being manipulated? Remember, if a hardcore conservative calls you anti-American, anti-Christian, or a "secular progressive", they are probably doing so because you consistently support the 1st Amendment and they are opposed to it.

I think that this is the most important post I've read today! The implications of the Flag Amendment passing is over whelming! We're cooked.

I think the Flag Amendment sets a very dangerous precedent. They want to create an Amendment that goes against what the 1st Amendment is all about.

of the press.

I never knew that. Thanks for posting this. It clarifies my thinking on the first amendment.

Just a hypothetical:

Imagine an amendment allowing the criminalization of flag-burning is passed. The law is passed. Flags are being burned every which way you can imagine. Thousands in jail for fires smaller than what you'd find in a fireplace. Just how long do you think it would take for juries to start ignoring the law and acquitting people? Americans are far from stupid. People may buy moronic arguments at times, but practical experience will quickly show them just how dumb those ideas are and were.

Would this happen? Not necessarily. It is, though, one of many possible options. I do find it a bit ironic that amendments can be passed by a minority of the population, though. It would lead to a very curious standoff if 12 of the 13 most populous states declined the amendment. Very curious.