Our Right to Protest

Just a few days ago we remembered the men and women who gave their lives guaranteeing our right to protest.  With that in mind most of us should have learned in school the preamble to the Constitution of the United States. 

 So we don’t forget it goes; “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”  

It appears that in some segments of our society there are those who feel the recent protests of people from all races have gone beyond individual laws made by elected politicians who claim to be for the people.  This also includes the peace-keepers who do their bidding.  Of course, radical elements have infiltrated peaceful marchers and created anarchy.  This cannot continue.  But, march for change in reference of too many discriminating issues has become the awakening of the First Amendment of the Constitution.    

The First Amendment 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 of the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

How unfortunate that those who are sworn to protect us have among their ranks a few (a small number) that disregard these rights.  We need to pray for those who still wear a badge of keeping the peace and work to justly remove those who will not adhere to those denying the rights of all people.  However, we must also stand up for the rights of all people from all backgrounds, and from all places around the world.  Each one of us was created equal by one God and are protected by one edict; freedom to live our lives as God intended.  

It took a lot of protesting before women got the right to vote.  It took a civil war to free slaves and it will take a lot of protesting to give the right of freedom from unlawful persecution back to everyone regardless of race, ethnic origin, and social choice in society.  

This article is not intended to put down any duly sworn and responsible law enforcement officer.  They are the heroes on the street day and night putting their lives on the line for us.  The writing here is to give credence to speak out and stand up for human rights when it is in jeopardy of being put down by those in power who make their own laws and forget the First Amendment of the Constitution.  

Gettysburg address ending:  ……that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” 

Ralph B. Hathaway, June 6, 2020