Recently our local news paper dropped Ann Coulter's column. It was their response to her statement about having to go to rehab if she used the term "faggot." As would be expected, the moronic cry of Censorship! was heard far and wide. Obviously these people do not understand the Constitution. Following is a letter-to-the-editor of the newspaper.
At the time of adopting the Constitution several states wanted additional restrictive clauses to prevent the Federal government from abusing its powers. Thus, beginning in 1791, we have Amendments to the Constitution with Amendments 1 through 10 AKA Bill of Rights.
The First Amendment, we hear quoted so frequently reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
The Constitution of the United States sets limits on what the Federal government may or may not do. It says nothing about what individuals may or may not do. Those limitations are called Laws. Because of our ignorance of the Constitution “We the people,” have permitted the Judiciary Branch to make new laws and add invisible amendments to the Constitution.
While the Federal Government may not “abridge the freedom of speech,” private individuals and corporations do not have that same limitation. I, as an individual, am not required to listen to you and you have no Constitutional Right that requires me to listen to you. The Mountain Press is not required to print anything the owners do not want printed and may print anything the owners want printed. That is not censorship that is freedom of speech, The owners of The Mountain Press' freedom of speech.
I encourage the Readers of The Mountain Press to read the Constitution and know what it says as well as what it does not say and to stay in touch with our governments.
The First Amendment, we hear quoted so frequently reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
The Constitution of the United States sets limits on what the Federal government may or may not do. It says nothing about what individuals may or may not do. Those limitations are called Laws. Because of our ignorance of the Constitution “We the people,” have permitted the Judiciary Branch to make new laws and add invisible amendments to the Constitution.
While the Federal Government may not “abridge the freedom of speech,” private individuals and corporations do not have that same limitation. I, as an individual, am not required to listen to you and you have no Constitutional Right that requires me to listen to you. The Mountain Press is not required to print anything the owners do not want printed and may print anything the owners want printed. That is not censorship that is freedom of speech, The owners of The Mountain Press' freedom of speech.
I encourage the Readers of The Mountain Press to read the Constitution and know what it says as well as what it does not say and to stay in touch with our governments.
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