For years, the first amendment has been used to justify so many actions since 1792, and it's been especially used in the past year. I think there becomes a time that a line gets crossed. Being a Hardcore Republican (I know, horrible to most), I am all for the right to Free Speech! Protest, write to your congressman, get involved with the government and make your voice be heard when it comes to issues that you're passionate, however, I think it's time to review what Amendment one, Freedom Of Speech, really means.
1: This Doesn't Include Hate Speech or Crimes
I don't care who you are, or what "proof" you think there is to back up the fact that hate speech should be legal. Although it's been the center of controversy, hate speech and crimes are illegal because they infringe upon the Equal Protection Law in the fourteenth amendment which basically says you can't discriminate for any reason. (Read all here). No, you aren't "expressing" yourself. You're being rude and awful human being. Everyone has opinions, but there is a very distinguishable difference between hate and opinions backed up with knowledge.
2: Violence is Not a Protest
Violence means you are a criminal, not just an American exercising your right. Recent events such as President Donald Trumps' Inauguration prompted me to write this. In Washington D.C, our own Nations capital, "protesters" destroyed windows and injured police. More than 200 people ended up being arrested for this senseless act and it amazes me that so many people participated. I understand if you don't like Donald Trump, let's have an educated discussion about it. Maybe go out and vote next Presidential campaign or volunteer with a candidate you like. You can even protest with marches and signs, as long as you are not causing harm or damage. Nothing today was accomplished, except making most of the Republicans angry. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, "The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it."
3: What you say on Social Media can be hate speech
I can't begin to tell you how many Facebook political arguments happen on a daily basis. However, it crosses the line when a page is titled "I hate all gays" or you begin live streaming a man that you are beating up. The biggest problem the world faces is learning that just because it's on social media, doesn't mean that other people can't see it or that there will be no consequences for it. What goes on your social media reflects who you are in your daily life.
I hope that I've been able to clear up some points that are apparently hard for some people to comprehend. Watch what you say, go and protest the right way.
God bless America.
