Saturday, March 12, 2016

Enough is enough....

Just for Donald Trump and all of us, here is the First Amendment to the Constitution:

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.

Mr. Trump today blamed (of all groups!!!) Bernie Sanders supporters for having to cancel his rally in Chicago last night. And beyond that, the 'thugs' who are violating his 'first amendment rights'.

In the first place, the First Amendment is solely a restriction on the power of the Congress. The right to free speech or assembly cannot be revoked by an act of Congress.

I remember from Civics Class more than half-a-century ago, that the right to speak freely has limits. You have no right (the example was) to say "Fire!" in a crowded room when there is no fire.

That should extend to cover many of the things Mr. Trump has said about protesters at his rallies--like he'd like to punch them in the face. Free speech does not include threatening others verbally or inciting people to violence. Both of which the Donald has done time and again.

The First Amendment is also the part of the Bill of rights which protects protest in a peaceable way.

The semi-Nazi salute he's incorporated into his rallies--raising your right hand to promise to vote for him was almost enough. But orchestrating situations where peaceful protest is not accommodated and where repercussions toward protest are suggested is way, way over the line.

The comedy of this primary season has become a tragedy--for us all and for the American political process.

Enough is enough.


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some ponderings by an aging white man who is an Episcopal priest in Connecticut. Now retired but still working and still wondering what it all means...all of it.