The First Amendment:
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://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment)
It seems quite clear. The government can't create a state religion; nor can people be stopped from practicing their own religious beliefs. Abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...Hmmm. abridging :
1aarchaic: deprive b: to reduce in scope : diminish <attempts to abridge the right of free speech> (Merriam Webster Dictionary.com) Okay, that's understandable. not to deprive or diminish the ability of the press or the people. People have the right of assemble peaceably...look at that last word, peaceably...not to riot or use violence. and lastly, to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The right to petition the government for a redress of grievances guarantees people the right to ask the government to provide relief for a wrong through the courts (litigation) or other governmental action. It works with the right of assembly by allowing people to join together and seek change from the government. (www.law.cornell,edu.) Makes sense to me....but the freedom of speech needs a closer look. The Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School states this about the freedom of speech and press clause:
The right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves without interference or constraint by the government. The Supreme Court requires the government to provide substantial justification for the interference with the right of free speech where it attempts to regulate the content of the speech. A less stringent test is applied for content-neutral legislation. The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may prohibit some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence. For more on unprotected and less protected categories of speech see advocacy of illegal action, fighting words, commercial speech and obscenity. The right to free speech includes other mediums of expression that communicate a message. The level of protection speech receives also depends on the forum in which it takes place.
Despite popular misunderstanding the right to freedom of the press guaranteed by the first amendment is not very different from the right to freedom of speech. It allows an individual to express themselves through publication and dissemination. It is part of the constitutional protection of freedom of expression. It does not afford members of the media any special rights or privileges not afforded to citizens in general.(www.law.cornell.edu.)
This establishes just what freedom of speech and press are concerned with. Basically, you must be responsible for what you say and not promote violence or hate.
Now just what did Dan Cathy say that began this heated debate and appreciation of Chick Fil A?
When asked about his traditional take on families, Mr. Cathy acknowledged, “Well, guilty as charged.” “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.” Cathy continued, “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.” (http://www.forbes.com/sites/billflax/2012/08/02/a-christian-libertarians-take-on-the-chick-fil-a-controversy/).
Well, he is a traditionalist....he is religious, and is married to first wives (as opposed to second, third, etc.). A rather strange statement, but okay, its his.... Very nice....That's what he believes and what he said. So how in the world did this little statement become the cry of oppression of religion and speech? Seven words did it. the biblical definition of the family unit. (www.forbes.com). Yep, those seven words brought about this unsettling storm of accusations and hate toward the LGBT community and Chick Fil A. Suddenly, America erupted into a save the Chicken sandwich mentality!
Yeah, I am being a bit sarcastic, but that's because this is how this outcry has made me feel. The us vs them mentality is childish and completley beneath the dignity of the American people. What do I mean by that? Mr. Cathy, you can say what you want. According to the First Amendment you are within your rights. Or are you? The outcry prompted the following post on Chick-fil-A’s website:
“The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our Restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect –regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. . . our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.” (http://www.forbes.com/sites/billflax/2012/08/02/a-christian-libertarians-take-on-the-chick-fil-a-controversy/). So, if your intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena (www.forbes.com) why did you bring it up in the first place? How many of us actually come out with I believe in the biblical definition of marriage? When I am asked about my beliefs, I say that I believe that Christ is my savior. That God is love. I talk about how Christ fulfilled all prophecy and told us to Love God, the father almighty and to love one another. If asked further, I speak about how Christ told us not to judge one another, and how to be humble.
Yet, we the people of America became embroiled in this turbulence. Some said they didn't care what he said, they just loved the food. Others embraced the idea of standing up for Chick Fil A and Cathy's stance on Freedom of Speech and Religions. Many opposed him and those who followed his views and condemned his viewpoint. The sad part is this, many more used this to loose the tongues of hate which fanned across the nation concerning gay marriage and homosexuals in general.
It is this which has led me to take a journey of freedoms. The firestorm these words created brought out the worse, the best, and the mediocre in people. For those of you who have no opinion one way or the other, remember, your rights can be taken away quickly, for you show no caring or concern one way or the other. Believe me, by not paying attention to what is happening you are making sure that you never take a chance. Never stand up for anything, never be involved. That is sad, at some point in time you have to stand up for something....your voice and ideas are important. For those of you who are jumping on the bandwagon just to be in it; figure out what you believe in. Stop doing something just because everyone else says or does it. Stand up for your own beliefs and freedoms. To the many who stood up for religious and speech freedoms, fine. But do it with love and peace, not the violence, hate, and vindiction which seems to froth freely out of your mouths. Do not spew hate toward the LGBT community. What have these people ever done to you? Nothing...except maybe make you face your fears...That's right fears. Only people who are fearful hang onto the words of hate, for fear makes you angry. Angry at those who are different from you and angry at yourself for fearing them.
The Journey of Freedoms cannot hold onto the clamors of fear. Freedom is to deny fear the ability of challenging ourselves and our thoughts in order to grow in knowledge and wisdom. We must purge the words and feelings of hate from us if we are to expand our horizons and views. That is what the Chick Fil A debacle is...a means of those who hate to flood our media, our government, our children, and our minds with their fear and anger. It's time to stop being mindless zombies and being blind obediant serfs. It's time to learn, educate, and examine exactly what is being said and done and then make a decision toward a belief. Then standing by that decision but willing to hear another's view as well.
So, where do I stand on this. Mr. Cathy, you can have your beliefs, but I pity your judgemental and superior attitude toward people who are not what you think is correct. Who am I to say this? A fellow Christian who is following the Bible and reminding another Christian that God is love and Christ is our savior through faith. Not good works, not money, not position, or station; but through faith alone. That's my freedom of religion thought. My freedom of speech allows me to say that even though you insist in the Chick Fil A views to leave gay marriage to the government, you are obviously not doing it with the words you said in the interview...believe in the biblical definition of marriage. Those words brought it into debate and created this latest upflux of hatred. Yet, the question remains whether you did it on purpose or if others have taken your words and used them to increase the ability of their fear mongering to generate this avenue. Either way, the tongue and words have a way of being twisted and can make more harm and injury to individuals than any other item. Yes, we have freedom of speech, but we must use it wisely and reponsibly for there are many who lie in wait for us to make one mistake; which they pounce upon and use to benefit their own agendas.
Thus, this journey of freedoms has come to an end of a chapter, but not the end of its journey. That journey continues onward and will be filled with many other events which will try to impede the freedoms. By being involved and educated the attacks on freedoms can be deflected and overcome. They have been throughout the history of the United States and will continue to do so. This is my thoughts and views....you don't have to agree, just listen and think.....as I will with yours.
The right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves without interference or constraint by the government. The Supreme Court requires the government to provide substantial justification for the interference with the right of free speech where it attempts to regulate the content of the speech. A less stringent test is applied for content-neutral legislation. The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may prohibit some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence. For more on unprotected and less protected categories of speech see advocacy of illegal action, fighting words, commercial speech and obscenity. The right to free speech includes other mediums of expression that communicate a message. The level of protection speech receives also depends on the forum in which it takes place.
Despite popular misunderstanding the right to freedom of the press guaranteed by the first amendment is not very different from the right to freedom of speech. It allows an individual to express themselves through publication and dissemination. It is part of the constitutional protection of freedom of expression. It does not afford members of the media any special rights or privileges not afforded to citizens in general.(www.law.cornell.edu.)
This establishes just what freedom of speech and press are concerned with. Basically, you must be responsible for what you say and not promote violence or hate.
Now just what did Dan Cathy say that began this heated debate and appreciation of Chick Fil A?
When asked about his traditional take on families, Mr. Cathy acknowledged, “Well, guilty as charged.” “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.” Cathy continued, “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.” (http://www.forbes.com/sites/billflax/2012/08/02/a-christian-libertarians-take-on-the-chick-fil-a-controversy/).
Well, he is a traditionalist....he is religious, and is married to first wives (as opposed to second, third, etc.). A rather strange statement, but okay, its his.... Very nice....That's what he believes and what he said. So how in the world did this little statement become the cry of oppression of religion and speech? Seven words did it. the biblical definition of the family unit. (www.forbes.com). Yep, those seven words brought about this unsettling storm of accusations and hate toward the LGBT community and Chick Fil A. Suddenly, America erupted into a save the Chicken sandwich mentality!
Yeah, I am being a bit sarcastic, but that's because this is how this outcry has made me feel. The us vs them mentality is childish and completley beneath the dignity of the American people. What do I mean by that? Mr. Cathy, you can say what you want. According to the First Amendment you are within your rights. Or are you? The outcry prompted the following post on Chick-fil-A’s website:
“The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our Restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect –regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. . . our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.” (http://www.forbes.com/sites/billflax/2012/08/02/a-christian-libertarians-take-on-the-chick-fil-a-controversy/). So, if your intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena (www.forbes.com) why did you bring it up in the first place? How many of us actually come out with I believe in the biblical definition of marriage? When I am asked about my beliefs, I say that I believe that Christ is my savior. That God is love. I talk about how Christ fulfilled all prophecy and told us to Love God, the father almighty and to love one another. If asked further, I speak about how Christ told us not to judge one another, and how to be humble.
Yet, we the people of America became embroiled in this turbulence. Some said they didn't care what he said, they just loved the food. Others embraced the idea of standing up for Chick Fil A and Cathy's stance on Freedom of Speech and Religions. Many opposed him and those who followed his views and condemned his viewpoint. The sad part is this, many more used this to loose the tongues of hate which fanned across the nation concerning gay marriage and homosexuals in general.
It is this which has led me to take a journey of freedoms. The firestorm these words created brought out the worse, the best, and the mediocre in people. For those of you who have no opinion one way or the other, remember, your rights can be taken away quickly, for you show no caring or concern one way or the other. Believe me, by not paying attention to what is happening you are making sure that you never take a chance. Never stand up for anything, never be involved. That is sad, at some point in time you have to stand up for something....your voice and ideas are important. For those of you who are jumping on the bandwagon just to be in it; figure out what you believe in. Stop doing something just because everyone else says or does it. Stand up for your own beliefs and freedoms. To the many who stood up for religious and speech freedoms, fine. But do it with love and peace, not the violence, hate, and vindiction which seems to froth freely out of your mouths. Do not spew hate toward the LGBT community. What have these people ever done to you? Nothing...except maybe make you face your fears...That's right fears. Only people who are fearful hang onto the words of hate, for fear makes you angry. Angry at those who are different from you and angry at yourself for fearing them.
The Journey of Freedoms cannot hold onto the clamors of fear. Freedom is to deny fear the ability of challenging ourselves and our thoughts in order to grow in knowledge and wisdom. We must purge the words and feelings of hate from us if we are to expand our horizons and views. That is what the Chick Fil A debacle is...a means of those who hate to flood our media, our government, our children, and our minds with their fear and anger. It's time to stop being mindless zombies and being blind obediant serfs. It's time to learn, educate, and examine exactly what is being said and done and then make a decision toward a belief. Then standing by that decision but willing to hear another's view as well.
So, where do I stand on this. Mr. Cathy, you can have your beliefs, but I pity your judgemental and superior attitude toward people who are not what you think is correct. Who am I to say this? A fellow Christian who is following the Bible and reminding another Christian that God is love and Christ is our savior through faith. Not good works, not money, not position, or station; but through faith alone. That's my freedom of religion thought. My freedom of speech allows me to say that even though you insist in the Chick Fil A views to leave gay marriage to the government, you are obviously not doing it with the words you said in the interview...believe in the biblical definition of marriage. Those words brought it into debate and created this latest upflux of hatred. Yet, the question remains whether you did it on purpose or if others have taken your words and used them to increase the ability of their fear mongering to generate this avenue. Either way, the tongue and words have a way of being twisted and can make more harm and injury to individuals than any other item. Yes, we have freedom of speech, but we must use it wisely and reponsibly for there are many who lie in wait for us to make one mistake; which they pounce upon and use to benefit their own agendas.
Thus, this journey of freedoms has come to an end of a chapter, but not the end of its journey. That journey continues onward and will be filled with many other events which will try to impede the freedoms. By being involved and educated the attacks on freedoms can be deflected and overcome. They have been throughout the history of the United States and will continue to do so. This is my thoughts and views....you don't have to agree, just listen and think.....as I will with yours.
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