Spring Break
Bill could interfere with First Amendment
Kristi Relaz
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Opinion
Consistent with these definitions, activists protesting the war could be considered terrorists. Any individual or group of people (writers, teachers, Oprah Winfrey) that has the "power to influence" could be considered terrorists - a horrible, frightening thing that has already been witnessed without this bill yet becoming law.
The first example that comes to mind is the University of Florida student who got tazered for questioning John Kerry at a campaign speech - an explicit punishment for exercising freedom of speech.
Nonetheless, Dr. Richard Hardy, professor and head of the political science department at Western, said, "You'd have to be crazy to not believe there are people here in the U.S. conspiring against us. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of where and when."
He said, in relation to passing any bill attempting to keep a tight rein on homegrown terrorism, we need to find some medium or blend that will protect us without completely violating our civil liberties.
I agree with Hardy, but I do not believe the H.R. 1955 is the bill providing a happy medium in defending the country against homegrown terrorism while simultaneously protecting our right to freedom of speech.
If we remain silent and do not speak out against the progression on this bill, H.R. 1955 could "become law, then soon your silence may not be your consent, but your only choice. And keep in mind, once you have no voice, you cannot object to anything" (BrassCheckTV.com). If you believe there is little chance H.R. 1955 will become a law, be aware that 404 out of 435 representatives voted to pass this bill.
If this bill passes through the Senate and the president approves it, the government will have the power to end one of America's most cherished civil liberties. And for the innocent people punished for exercising their freedoms preserved in the Bill of Rights, America will no longer reflect freedom, but oppression.
The first example that comes to mind is the University of Florida student who got tazered for questioning John Kerry at a campaign speech - an explicit punishment for exercising freedom of speech.
Nonetheless, Dr. Richard Hardy, professor and head of the political science department at Western, said, "You'd have to be crazy to not believe there are people here in the U.S. conspiring against us. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of where and when."
He said, in relation to passing any bill attempting to keep a tight rein on homegrown terrorism, we need to find some medium or blend that will protect us without completely violating our civil liberties.
I agree with Hardy, but I do not believe the H.R. 1955 is the bill providing a happy medium in defending the country against homegrown terrorism while simultaneously protecting our right to freedom of speech.
If we remain silent and do not speak out against the progression on this bill, H.R. 1955 could "become law, then soon your silence may not be your consent, but your only choice. And keep in mind, once you have no voice, you cannot object to anything" (BrassCheckTV.com). If you believe there is little chance H.R. 1955 will become a law, be aware that 404 out of 435 representatives voted to pass this bill.
If this bill passes through the Senate and the president approves it, the government will have the power to end one of America's most cherished civil liberties. And for the innocent people punished for exercising their freedoms preserved in the Bill of Rights, America will no longer reflect freedom, but oppression.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 16
Michael Lyon
posted 3/04/08 @ 11:53 PM CST
For a webpage describing the dangers of S. 1959, complete with links taking you to the relevant text in the bill itself, and with links enabling you to leave messages with the members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, where the bill is now, click on
http://graypantherssf. (Continued…)
Bill
posted 3/05/08 @ 2:28 PM CST
This opinion article is quite a stretch. Such a stretch I don't even know what to say. If it was a radical group threatening to attack homosexuals, some, possibly Julie Lord, would demand action and legislation to fight back. (Continued…)
Source Check
posted 3/05/08 @ 2:34 PM CST
Brasschecktv.com is a conspiracy theory website. Need I say more? When are you going to learn that you cannot get real information from the internet. (Continued…)
bee
posted 3/06/08 @ 6:54 AM CST
thank you kristi...i've been counting the days until i saw a story on HR 1955 in a college paper. You're absolutely correct. HR 1955 is very real, and only the tip of the iceberg. (Continued…)
Eleanor Cook
posted 3/12/09 @ 4:19 AM CST
I thought this debate was about them, as opposed to featuring them. Whoops.
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Katrina Arkwright
posted 3/16/09 @ 7:30 AM CST
Great article. I agree totally.
Katrina Arkwright
posted 3/20/09 @ 10:04 AM CST
Great article. I agree totally.
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