There has been a lot of discussions about the 1st Amendment these days, mostly negative due to a president who uses the constitution as a tampon. Most of these conversations (yelling matches) encompass protests and dissenting government, as if that is all the 1st Amendment encompasses. Other democratic nations across the world have free speech rights, but no nation even holds a candle to ours. There are really only two restrictions; Language that incites violence (January 6th for example) and child p*rn*graphy.
While the 1st Amendment is invaluable for political dissent, it has built the greatest economic engine in the world.
While we won this nation (twice) by the barrel of a gun, it is the 1st Amendment that really built this nation.
Besides being home to some of the greatest visual artists, musicians and actors in the world, we are also the home of the greatest scientists, doctors, inventors. Why? Because of FREE expression and the opportunity to create without being hampered by silly civil right regs. It has also brought us some of the greatest immigrants the world has ever seen. Leaving their countries for America because they were tired of being held back due to free speech restrictions.
While a musket may have founded this country, peaceful protest and speech is what started it and has made this country great.
Let’s have a real discussion about the 1st & 2nd Amendment and their importance instead of shooting at each other. If we lose the 1st Amendment, we lose America.