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.
Born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast, I’ve spent the past few months trying to wrap my head around the Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent massive oil spill that is now ruining the coastline from Louisiana to Florida. At times, I have to turn off the news, as the images of dying wildlife hit me deep in my gut.
But now more than ever, this national tragedy has made me grateful for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. While the oil continues to spew, the media — WordPress.com bloggers included — have been on the frontlines, making sure that Americans and everyone the world over know what is really happening in the Gulf of Mexico.
The oil spill has also made me realize how fragile this freedom is — as the Associated Press reported, “journalists covering the Gulf of Mexico oil spill have been yelled at, kicked off public beaches and islands and threatened with arrest …”
Which is why I’m happy to announce that WordPress.com is a proud supporter of the 1 for All campaign that launches today with the simple goal of raising awareness about the First Amendment. We join more than 1,000 media outlets who have partnered with 1 for All, and we have a special connection to the project — their site is hosted on WordPress.com.
Any U.S. resident is welcome to enter their “How Free Can You Be?” contest by submitting photos, videos and stories that illustrate First Amendment liberties. Back here on WordPress.com, please tag any posts you write about this topic with “First Amendment.” And since we know many of you don’t live in the United States, we welcome all readers — regardless of where you live — to discuss civil liberties in your country, as well. Please tag those posts with “human rights.”
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Yes!! Anything that helps and protects the 1st Amendment is a good thing in my book!
Thank you, WordPress! I totally agree with you. Your post makes me proud to be associated with WordPress. Keep up your excellent work on behalf of human rights.
Save Kelly Rippa!!
Oh, sorry. Wrong page.
Way’ta go, WordPress!
After reading the original post and all the preceding comments, I find myself wondering if all those who applaud support for the first amendment would defend the rights of those who disagree with them.
As a conservative Christian, I find myself among the ‘politically incorrect’ more often than not. But I would staunchly defend the right of anyone to speak out even if I don’t agree with their viewpoint.
Just yesterday, Fox News reported about a new English-language webzine published by Al Qaeda. In it, they have persuasive articles for jihad, step-by-step bomb-making instructions, etc. Sends chills, doesn’t it?
When I heard about that website, I couldn’t help but think of America’s founding fathers and their belief in personal responsibility. They affirmed that our constitution and form of government could only work if we each disciplined ourselves, choosing our words and actions in such a way that we do not intentionally cause harm to others, and that in all we do, we show respect for one another.
So, are you limiting your discourse to the topic at hand? Or are you reduced to insults? Do you respect the rights of those who disagree with you? Or do you believe that the first amendment should only apply to those who share your viewpoint?
FREE SPEECH!! NOTHING ELSE.
If there was no First Amendment, I could not write my shitty little blog with reckless abandon. Good cause. It seems like we will be fighting for First Amendment rights throughout my lifetime…KDR
im glad people are stepping up to the plate to protect what is ours, freedom. if we dont speak up, who will? thank you word press
That’s great to hear WordPress is getting behind the cause.
There seem to be a lot of things going on lately which the media suppresses, either voluntarily or under duress from our own government. Why are independent scientists (i.e., not government or BP sponsored) not allowed in to assess the damage and possibly come up with a solution? Why does Rolling Stone magazine (since when was RSM “serious” journalism?) unlawfully exhibit a breach of ethics by reporting on things that were not on the record AND they eavesdropped on in the McChrystal case? Why did they subsequently publish a letter stating how great our new, “transparent” leader is doing? Why are is our own federal government suing Arizona to allow illegal non-citizens in when we are having enough trouble keeping crime down and feeding our own (naturalized or natural born) citizens? Whose hairbrained idea was it to build a Mosque almost right on top of Ground Zero? These are just the tip of the iceberg…what we don’t even see under the surface, and being kept in the dark and fed bull like a bunch of mushrooms is not only grating, but Disturbing. I hate to sound “conspiracy theorist” on you all, but the only thing “transparent” going on lately is that we can See Through all their malarky. THANK GOD FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND WORDPRESS.
Freedom for all!