The founding document that codifies our free country is the Constitution of the United States of America.  It is what all of our elected government officials take an oath to protect.  The first ten Amendments to the Constitution (i.e., Bill of Rights), confirm the fundamental rights of American citizens.  Amendment 1 reads, “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.” I’ll focus on the emphasized text above regarding speech and press.

Are you concerned that what you say may not be considered “politically correct”?  Will what you say be labeled “racist,” “xenophobic,” “homophobic,” sexist,” “Islamophobic,” or “white supremacist”?  If you answered “yes” then you are experiencing speech suppression — exactly what the First Amendment was written to protect you from.  Essentially, political correctness squelches freedom.  It is a weapon of oppression used by those in power who wish to control the narrative.  Political correctness promotes what author, George Orwell, called “groupthink.”  As long as you go along with what the majority thinks, you are “right” and safe from persecution.

Controlling speech by name-calling, or otherwise persecuting the minority, discourages diversity of thought — a hallmark of our culture that has contributed to a free citizenry.  Controlling speech shuts down attempts at rational discourse.  Let’s hold firm to the First Amendment.  What’s more, let us elect candidates who take their oaths seriously and understand that the First Amendment is essential to a free country.

– Kathy Lynch