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Commenting period (January 30, 2017 18:40 – February 14, 2017 00:00) is closed

EGCC PSC 101 First Amendment Exercise


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The first amendment of the constitution states that: "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". What follows are some questions designed to kick-start our discussion of American Government. Pick one for your comments or better yet come up with your own approach. What does the first ammendment guarantee? There are multiple parts to this amendment; is one part more important that the others? if so why? Can you cite specific examples of theses right in real life?

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Jan 31
Mychenel Haskins Mychenel Haskins (Jan 31 2017 10:39PM) : Liberty, freedom, and choice. more

In my opinion the first amendment assures freedom, privacy, and liberty. One reason that I feel like this is because it allows an individual to express themselves through publication and dissemination. Along with it allowing expression of the nation it also acknowledges the constitutional protection of freedom of expression. In my opinion there numerous parts to the first amendment. One example to support my answer is by considering how society may have different approaches in what way they interpret the meaning of freedom of religion and freedom of press. Which reflect two different aspects of the first amendment.
In my opinion every different aspect of the first amendment all hold the same significates. Which is freedom, solitude and choice. One specific case to support this theory is Texas v. Johnson in 1989, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that flag burning was a form of speech protected by the First Amendment, arguing that “if there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the Government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” In response, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act of 1989. The following year, in United States v. Eichman, justices again ruled 5-4 that the act was unconstitutional.

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Feb 1
Mr Reynaldo Santiago Mr Reynaldo Santiago (Feb 01 2017 7:01AM) : The bill of rights is supposed to give us certain rigjts but does it
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Feb 1
Prof. Ric Schumacher Prof. Ric Schumacher (Feb 01 2017 7:47AM) : Reynaldo, tell me what you think does it?
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Feb 4
Taren W Taren W (Feb 04 2017 8:35PM) : it gives us rights [Edited] more

It gives us what it feels are Rights with restrictions. It’s like telling you to do what you want but how and when i want you to and for as long as i say that it’s ok. If at anytime i decide to take away your right to do what you want and you do not comply there shall be consequences to which i or a group of my peers shall deem appropriate. And that’s how courts were developed and JAIL!

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Feb 1
Courtney Fritz Courtney Fritz (Feb 01 2017 3:43PM) : They say were free but there are laws and rules to everything we possibly do. [Edited] more

They state that they shall not make any laws that have to do with our freedom of religion, speech or press but make every way around that to break the agreement in a "lawful " way .. I’m not sure if I’m explaining correctly.

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Feb 4
Taren W Taren W (Feb 04 2017 8:40PM) : you used fewer words courtney but i think i get it more

Yes you are. Our laws which are supposed to be based off of the bible are now being twisted by man. Men can now delegate our freedoms and as long as their peers agree with how they enforce these “laws” it is correct.

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Feb 2
Justine Sause Justine Sause (Feb 02 2017 9:07AM) : Freedom of speech? more

Freedom of speech? When our nation was founded I do not believe that our forefathers were expecting their first ammendment to be drastically taken out of context as it has been in society. Many people take the definition of freedom of speech and use it to promote hate. There is a bill in congress right now called the First Amendment Defense Act, which will make it so the government cannot punish businesses for discrimination of LGBTQ communities, races, and religions. I believe everyone has the right to their own opinion and of course the freedom of speech but when does it go too far? Are we taking advantage of this amendment and using it to harm and hate?

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Feb 2
Edward Keich Edward Keich (Feb 02 2017 3:05PM) : The first amendment is about the freedom of speech. Which gives the people the right protest. over the years people had been protest about a lot of things. Like animal rights, women right, and one recent explame is the protest agated the DAP in N-Dakota.
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Feb 2
Drew Baldwin Drew Baldwin (Feb 02 2017 5:19PM) : Ideas on the First Amendment, pertaining to Religion. more

The first Amendment addresses several issues; freedom to exercise religion, freedom of speech, of the press, and to peacefully protest or assemble. It seems most people here are focusing on free speech, which is one of the cornerstones of our Republic, but, I want to discuss the first part of the amendment which reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. Interpreting the words establishment of religion has been a controversial debate in this country, especially since The 1963 Supreme Court ruling Engel Vs. Vitale, which ruled prayer in public school as unconstitutional because it violated the "Separation of Church and state. The Problem with this argument is that the words Separation between church and state do not appear in the Constitution. Yes Thomas Jefferson did use the term ,but he was not even at the constitutional convention in 1787 he was serving as the U.S. Ambassador to France at the time. What needs to be understood about the American colonials is that many of them came to America fleeing religious persecution. In the UK The Church of England was established by King Henry VIII as the official state church. All British Citizens were required to be members of that church which meant Christians of other denominations Such as Puritans and Quakers were beginning to be persecuted. Which is why many of the 13 colonies were founded for religious freedom. Massachusetts was founded in 1620 by Puritans but ended up establishing a state church as well and Puritan minister Roger Williams was expelled from the colony for calling out this injustice. Williams went on to establish Rhode Island and declared a policy of religious freedom for all Christian Denominations. Quaker William Penn did the same thing when he founded Pennsylvania calling it a “holy experiment”. Virginia also had a state church, the Episcopalian Church. In these colonies with state churches Persecution for religious minorities continued, this is what motivated James Madison to include no established religion in the first amendment. Does this mean that recognition of God has no place in Government or that were not a nation founded on the Judeo-Christian faith. Well there are four references to God in our Founding Document, The Deceleration of Independence “The Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by there Creator with certain unalienable rights”, “We appeal to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intensions”, and finally "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. John Adams Once said “Our Constitution is only for a moral and religious people, it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”. What, perhaps, reflects the idea of religious freedom in this Nation more that any other is this quote from Patrick Henry “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” So in conclusion we are a nation founded on Christian values, not some kind of medieval theocracy, but rather an enlightened, rational,and civilized nation. A Republic.

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Feb 2
jackson lataraka jackson lataraka (Feb 02 2017 5:39PM) : first amendment more

yeah the bill of rights are supposed to give us are rights but the don’t they play like they do and i don’t think that right.

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Feb 2
Laura Poole Laura Poole (Feb 02 2017 7:29PM) : The First Amendment is the most important part of the Bill of Rights. I protects five of the most basic liberties.
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Feb 2
Tangela Phillips Tangela Phillips (Feb 02 2017 7:45PM) : Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.we have the right to speak freely and choose and live our own religion.Without freedom of speech we would not be able to voice our opinion in no state of matter.
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Feb 2
Rose Mills Rose Mills (Feb 02 2017 8:22PM) : Yes we do ,but we must also watch what we say it can be a fine line with so many things going on in the world today ,do we really have a right to our opinions, as far as rights to Religion i feel that taking prayer out of schools does not let us exercise. more

our right , if some are offended don’t precipitate but the ones that want to should have that right.

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Feb 11
ms heather jo upole ms heather jo upole (Feb 11 2017 10:43PM) : america more

america is supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. so there for we should have the right to think and feel exactly how we want to. we are a country of freedom and individuaulism. if we all had to have the same morals and beliefs this would be a boring and even more unhappy place. just like people have the right to burn the american flag not saying that its right but its allowed. its theyer perogative and right as an american and they can do what they want to do

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Hello all! This is Shawn, a student at Eastern Gateway Commun… (more)

Jan 31
Shawn Rentz II

Hello all! This is Shawn, a student at Eastern Gateway Commun… (more)

Shawn Rentz II (Jan 31 2017 9:38PM) : Freedom of Speech Restrictions Needs to be Taught! more

As a writer, these three words will run my entire second half of my future career, which is being an author. Along with these three words comes also the exceptions to the law. Before anyone can become a published writer, they should learn about their rights about what they are allowed and what they are not allowed to write. Not saying which in a piece of my writing, but I broke one of those rules. I believe every writer does at some point without realizing it. Of course, I fixed my writing to make it acceptable to this right. What people are failing to understand that this right has its restrictions, and they clearly do not know where the line needs to be drawn. The world would definitely be a better place if people knew where the line was for freedom of speech.

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Feb 4
Taren W Taren W (Feb 04 2017 8:24PM) : What does the first amendment guarantee? [Edited] more

according to Cornell.edu 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.Basically granting Americans the “freedom of expression”. The Amendments are our supposed blueprint for personal freedom, a so-called hallmark of an open society. but if this country is free. Why is it that most that in the fight to get here are so love-struck with the idea that America is the land of freedom and most wonderful things. Yes America is free. Yet everyone is told how to spend money with no real choices. Yes you can say what you want. But only at a given time and only to a specific audience. I wonder if there is fine print on the original document… yes those hopeful reaching souls they try so hard to get here. Unfortunately So quickly they realize that like most things that glitter…. It definitely isn;t gold.

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DMU Timestamp: January 02, 2017 19:32

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Jan 31
Tanya McNeely Tanya McNeely (Jan 31 2017 12:29PM) : According to this 1st amendment, we should have the right to all of these things but when you do you are criticized and violently discouraged from doing so. [Edited] more

According to this 1st amendment, we should have the right to all of these things but when you do you are criticized and violently discouraged from doing so. It seems to be wrong to go against the majority. There have been peaceful protests that have erupted with people getting killed and hurt because they disagreed with an unjust or unlawful act. Why is it wrong nowadays to DISAGREE?

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Jan 31
Prof. Ric Schumacher Prof. Ric Schumacher (Jan 31 2017 1:52PM) : That's a GREAT question, Why is it wrong to disagree? Or Is it wrong? Anyone want to try an answer?
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Jan 31
Benjamin Lucas Benjamin Lucas (Jan 31 2017 5:53PM) : People are afraid of being incorrect. It's never wrong to disagree. Those to whom we disagree, are afraid of being wrong so they impose harsh reactions on those who do.
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Feb 3
Drew Baldwin Drew Baldwin (Feb 03 2017 10:58AM) : Everyone has the right to disagree. There are people who's world view I strongly disagree with, but I would support their right to express their opinions anyway.Free speech, open debate, and the free exchange of ideas is what allows this Nation to grow.
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Feb 2
Kyle Wright Kyle Wright (Feb 02 2017 5:11AM) : I believe that you are right. It's not wrong to be different. People are just afraid of ideas that are different to them. That's why they get so defensive about them.
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Feb 2
Mr. Jordan Sweet Mr. Jordan Sweet (Feb 02 2017 1:36PM) : The first amendment allows our voices to be heard. more

For me the first amendment gives me the right to practice whatever religion I want without the government trying to force any one religion on its people. We all have the right to exclaim our opinions or freedom of speech, although just because we may differ in opinions doesn’t mean we should be immature and let things escalate to violence. The first amendment also gives me the right to hold a gathering in opposition to anything the government may do. This only applies if my gathering is peaceful. As soon as it turn violent the local or federal law enforcement can end it. These may be our most important rights because this allows the people’s voices to be heard. Many places in the world oppress the people so much that they have no voice. We need to be thankful for the amazing country we call our home and not be selfish.

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