The 1st Amendment, also known as the Bill of Rights, of the Constitution states “Congress shall make 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 of grievances.” I’m not a constitutional lawyer but I believe your right to publicly speak out is protected against government intervention but is not protected against individuals, such as myself, who may disagree with what you are saying. In the past I have mention my support of Natalie Maines, lead singer of the Dixie Chicks to publicly speak out against then President George W. Bush and the 2nd Iraq war. Once Ms. Maines decided to criticize the president, while in a foreign country, with American military heading into harm’s way, during a concert that people paid over a $100 ticket to be entertained by their music not political speech, it gave me the right to respond. I now had the right to voice my opinion in regards to her action by not buying their next CD and calling her a f***ing idiot. Apparently I was not alone because shortly thereafter the Dixie Chicks, who were the top country group prior to Ms. Maines rant, ceased to exist. Which brings me to last Sunday when certain members of the St. Louis Rams entered the stadium with their hands up in protest of the events in Ferguson, Missouri. Once again I find myself in support of their action under the 1st Amendment. Once again when the protest door is open I have the right to enter. There action was a continuation of a false narrative in the shooting death of Michael Brown. There is no evidence to support that Michael Brown was shot surrendering, with his hands up or in the back while fleeing Officer Darren Wilson. The evidence shows just the opposite that Mr. Brown was shot while engaged in hostile action towards Officer Wilson. By initiating a political protest in a confined area with over 60,000 people was ill-conceived. The Supreme Court has ruled even though we have Constitutional protection against government intervention in our right to protest, private companies have the right to restrict free speech of it employees in the work place. Many companies and institution has placed restrictions on their employees in regards to protest and speech, not only while in a pay status but their private lives as well. Most notably the NFL under the leadership of Commissioner Roger Goodell has restricted player activity not only on the field, such as excessive celebrations or taunting, but off the field as well. It’s my belief that theses St. Louis Rams players were in violation of NFL policy. I doubt any sanctions will be forthcoming from the commissioner office in regards to their activity and that is OK with me. So can I assume no more yellow flags will be thrown after a victory dance in the end zone or a defensive back standing over and trash talking a sacked quarterback? Most importantly if a player like Tim Tebow should kneel in prayer after a play, no criticism will be forthcoming from your office. The Rams player who protested, I support your right to do so, but just like Natalie Maines I think all of you are f***ing idiots. Just my opinion.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 14:03:19 +0000
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