The 2016 Presidential Election introduced a new level of controversy regarding politics and the definition of free speech. Between the candidate's flaws and campaign styles, many Americans voiced their opinions on the matters, which is protected by the First Amendment.

However, if and when certified news sources began reporting on the same topics, they were panned for providing "fake news", according to President Trump. Yet there he was on Twitter, being panned himself for posting crude and derogatory tweets.

But as offensive as Trump may seem, nothing he has said or done comes NEAR the recent scandal involving stand-up comedian Kathy Griffin. To recap, the performer posted a picture of Instagram where she held in her hand a replica of President Donald Trump's severed head. After issuing an apology to the public, she then proceeded to defend her actions and continue her protest against the President after being "bullied" by the Trump family and the Secret Service's decision to investigate her "harmless joke" as "an act of violence" against the President.

The image was not well received by the public or media. Griffin lost numerous endorsements and some of her shows have been cancelled. CNN also terminated her contract hosting the network’s New Year’s special and released a statement. It reads “We found what she did disgusting and offensive. We are pleased to see she has apologized and asked that the photos be taken down.”

“New Year’s Eve Live” co-host Anderson Cooper also expressed his disapproval on Twitter.

Others, such as the First Family, have expressed their dismay for their children’s sake. Melania Trump said, “As a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing. When you consider some of the atrocities happening in the world today, a photo opportunity like this is simply wrong and makes you wonder about the mental health of the person who did it."

President Donald Trump fired back directly at Kathy Griffin on Twitter.

Sure, a person is encouraged to speak their mind and express themselves artistically. But obscene gestures that promote slaying government officials and traumatize young children is not expressive; it's cruel and unjust. Just because you dislike someone doesn't mean you can make morbid jokes about them and expect them to not feel threatened. If someone drew a picture of you laying in a pool of blood, wouldn't you feel uneasy? What if your family saw it? How would they react?

The First Amendment does not protect anyone who endangers the life of another in any way. What one person views as "harmless" could very well be "harmful" to another. Not everyone has the same beliefs and interests as you, and some may be vocal about it. Be prepared to face criticism and offer some of your own.

Now more than ever, it's very important to think before posting your thoughts and feelings on social media. Keep children who could look over their parents' shoulders in mind, as well as those with opposing views and even the elderly. Words can very often be used as weapons.