Hey, remember that one time we fought a war to separate ourselves from a government that mandated patriotism? Yeah, being decapitated or even just persecuted for speaking out against your country sucks. The reason America exists is because criticism is in our best interest. It can hurt, but honest, caring criticism makes everything better. THAT is what makes America great, not coddling idolatry.
Do you know what pops up when you google “Rebel Flag”? Whole lot of controversy here. Only you can judge yourself here. If you have defended this flag but are offended by protest of any sort, for any reason, you are a hypocrite.
Now let’s review some amendments shall we!?
#1 – Protects our freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the freedom to criticize our government. That last one is stated a bit pedantically (overly wordy) as “petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances”. The means we have the right to tell our government that they are screwing up without fear of reprisal, retaliation or persecution.
The purpose of the first amendment is to protect us from our government, and our right to speak out against them.
#2 – The right to keep and bear arms.
This one is simple. We have the right to protect ourselves and our freedoms as outlined in the constitution.
#3 – They can’t force you to house military personnel….
#4, 5,6,7, and 8 – All built to limit what the state can do during any legal trial to ensure fair and humane prosecution.
#9 – This one is incredible. It protects all of the rights that aren’t explicitly outlined in the constitution! These guys knew they weren’t going to cover everything and they stated that very clearly with this amendment.
#10 – Reinforces the fact that the government is NOT the country. The people are the country and the government are the representatives of the people.
You get the picture. This country was built on a foundation of descent! Protest! Rebellion!
I have a confession… I have been a hypocrite in sermonizing patriotism, but I haven’t read through the amendments since I was in 6th grade and I didn’t understand them then. I didn’t have the world view I have now to put them in context.
I have never read The Constitution or even the Declaration of Independence. I am going to right now.
I have read and listened to the “I have a dream speech” multiple times and I would challenge you to as well.
I have read the emancipation proclamation once.
I would challenge you would-be patriots to memorize these documents because they are that important. Our country is in a state of upheaval and we will need all the well informed patriots we can get. I don’t care what side you are on or what you believe, so long as you know what you’re talking about. As I have admitted, I don’t know enough, but I plan to.
I am not a patriot because I don’t know my country’s history and documents well enough to lay claim to that title, and I am humble enough to admit that. I hope you will be as well.
Chrooth 