Congress Shall Make No Law

Words matter. Uh huh they do.  Freedom of speech.  Freedom to assemble. 

A fellow I know recently wrote this:

"I was a little surprised to see that the Board of Commissioners is considering an ordinance to regulate public assemblies.

I feel very strongly that this is a regulation that we do not need and are much better off without. Let me start by reminding everyone of the First Amendment to the Constitution: “Congress shall make no law ... abridging the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

I believe this is regulation enough.

This ordinance, which as of this writing is not available on the county website, nor has it been considered by the county Planning Board, would restrict protests to “grassy areas” among many other restrictions. In my opinion this goes very much against the intent of the Constitution; which, to paraphrase one of our senators, intended that all of America, not just grassy areas, should be a Free Speech Zone.

The impetus for this ordinance came when a group tried to ask the sheriff about some questionable traffic-stop practices in his department. So rather than be bothered answering their questions, he seeks a new regulation to avoid being bothered in the future. That just isn’t right.

Some may be legitimately concerned that a protest may interfere with the business of the county. This has never been a problem in the past that I am aware of. I feel that, provided the protest is “peaceable,” the importance of being able to hold our government accountable far outweighs any minor inconvenience such as walking around a protestor.

It takes courage to speak or protest publicly. Don’t make it any harder on our brave citizens. Don’t let our First Amendment rights be diluted. Tell your commissioners your feelings about it at the public hearing.

Oh, and don’t bring a sign larger than 36 inches, and if you plan to come with nine or more people, be sure and get a permit first."

Since I know this person, I know they won't mind me copying and pasting this.  Nearly everywhere we turn someone wants to regulate free speech.  These same people do not want regulations imposed in industry.  These same people want to loosen pharmaceutical standards, building standards, you get the picture. So we make a little regulation.  These same people changed the ability to speech out BEFORE a meeting and now this must be done after the meetings are conducted. Keep in mind, this is the "government of the people, by the people and for the people."  Where are people's needs outlined here? 

Remember.  "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”