Dear Sir,
Dale Palfrey’s comments last week, entitled Freedom of Speech, reminded me that many Americans don’t know, or have forgotten, what the First Amendment actually says regarding our protected freedom to say whatever we want, whenever we want.
It kept coming up in interviews following the January 6 riot at the US.. capitol, and the decision to ban Trump from social media, to the point where I had to look up the First Amendment to be sure I was remembering it correctly.
As a reminder, it states: “Congress shall make no law ... (skip the religion clause) ... abridging the freedom of speech ...”
It goes on to state other pertinent protected freedoms: “... or of the press; or of the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
The fact that Congress cannot make a law restricting these freedoms does not mean we can say and do things and then claim the right to do them under the First Amendment.
Just thought I might not be the only one who needed a reminder.
Lila Wells, Ajijic