Freedom Of Speech And Assembly - 1366 Words

We see the word â€Å"freedom† appear everywhere in America. Our national anthem proudly proclaims that we are â€Å"the land of the free†; however, when people assert that this country was founded as a nation of freedom for all, they seem to conveniently forget that the only people such â€Å"freedom† applied to at the time were property-owning white men. Many would think that we have evolved as a nation since then, but various incidents throughout American history prove otherwise. Merriam-Webster helpful defines freedom as â€Å"the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.† Obviously, the majority of the population does not consult dictionaries often enough to realize that this definition does not correspond with what we consider â€Å"freedom† today. While the true meaning of freedom has remained the same over the years, people’s notion of what freedom actually entails has been altered massively. Perhaps some of t he most valuable rights that we have been given are those to freedom of speech and assembly. The ability to join together with other people and openly voice opinions is supposedly a freedom that the United States protects. In past years, however, instances of police officers using unnecessarily harsh tactics to quell peaceful protests appeared everywhere in the news. Ferguson, Missouri stands as a shocking example of such actions. The shooting of teenager Mike Brown sparked a quiet protest by Ferguson citizens, which quickly went awry when â€Å"police stoked thoseShow MoreRelated Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition Essay examples767 Words   |  4 PagesFreedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition There are three main reasons why we have or need our Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. First, the 1st Amendment gives us our independence. Second, it also gives us the right to express ourselves. Last but not least, it allows people to express themselves without constraint by the government. The 1st Amendment is a very essential freedom that everyone should be entitled to. OurRead MoreI Had A Dream Speech By Martin Luther King Jr.1684 Words   |  7 Pagesa dream speech† In the duration of five minutes, he made history and changed society’s view upon those with a darker skin tone. On that day he changed many opinions and views, in the matter of five minutes. He proved that we, the American people have the power to change a nation through our words. Not only can we change the world with our voice, but we can change the world through our actions. Protests and gatherings have impacted the United States civilization as we know it. Our freedom of speechRead MoreThe First Ten Bill Of Rights862 Words   |  4 Pagesmake 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 grievance†. This prohibits the government from establishing a religion. To America ns it is important to maintain their civil rights. Freedom of religion, anyone’s can freely express ones religion. This prohibits the government from establishing a religionRead MoreThe Constitution Of The United States Essay1618 Words   |  7 Pagesamendments ever added to the Constitution of the United States. It is designed to protect four basic freedoms: the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to assembly and freedom of the press. When this amendment was drafted by the founding fathers, it was done in response to some of the events that had precipitated the American Revolution. Over time, the interpretation of these freedoms has changed as seen by various actions in government, but especially in rulings from the Supreme CourtRead MoreThe Importance of the First Amendment of the United States’ Bill of Rights for Democratic Government and its Citizens787 Words   |  4 Pagesconnected society right to speech should be accepted to do so. The first amendment is one of the most fundamental rights t hat individuals have. It is fundamental to the existence of democracy and the respect of human dignity. This amendment describes the principal rights of the citizens of the United States. If the citizens were unable to criticize the government, it would be impossible to regulate order. By looking freedom of speech there is also freedom of assembly and freedom of press that are crucialRead MoreThe Free Exercise Of Religion Essay1256 Words   |  6 Pages The free exercise of religion, the freedom of speech, and the freedom of assembly are each absolutely essential for the health of our Republic. That is why the Founding Fathers enshrined them all in the First Amendment. While some people up hold the first amendment and respect its meaning. Unfortunately, these freedoms are currently under assault by the government, state officials and communities. One example, of how a government in school district, many students are able to express themselves throughRead MoreHuman Rights In Australia884 Words   |  4 Pagesfocuses on approaching freedom in different ways. Communist countries such as China, would have a different way of approaching freedom in contrast to Australia. Being ruled by a parliamentary system, Australia achieves freedom through democracy whereas the freedom of China is influenced by The Communist Party of China. Due to these different approaches, this affects both countries freedom of speech, freedom of Education, and freedom of assembly and association. Freedom of speech in Australia is consideredRead MoreThe Freedom Of Speech : Hate Speech1187 Words   |  5 PagesAn Introduction to the Marketplace of Ideas Freedom of speech, along with the freedom of the press, have both become the two most important rights for each American citizen to defend. The First Amendment defends five of the following freedoms: the freedom of religion, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of the press, the freedom of petition, and the freedom of speech (First Amendment Center). All of these freedoms are equally important. However, even when people in a democratic society better acknowledgeRead MoreTextual Analysis of Rudy Giulianis Speech873 Words   |  3 Pagesof Rudy Giulianis Speech Giulianis Purpose and Argument The year 2001, September 11th happened to be a disastrous day for New York City  in America together with all countries worldwide. The calculated attack by terrorists stirred several reactions that were apparent in varied art forms. Other people mourned those who died using poems and songs while other individuals called for urgent action in form of speeches together with letters. One specific rejoinder was the speech from Rudy Giuliani toRead MoreWhy the 1st Amendment Is the Best1142 Words   |  5 Pagesguaranteed the freedom of speech. Other countries don’t have that.† At the time of the amendments’ creation, a vast majority of operating countries had not yet granted their people such freedoms. Granting every citizen of the United States this right seemed to have been an important landmark in this nation’s history. Along with others, this right is declared to the people in the first amendment of the constitution. The first amendment is the most importa nt because it grants people freedom of speech, prohibits