THE CRUX OF IT: Freedom that can’t be criticized is misnamed.

 

 

 

The right of freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, and government redress is not encouraged when the oppression of certain groups is in question.

 

 

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble, or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.

 

 

Professional athletes are making their objections known increasingly more and more by kneeling or sitting peacefully during the National Anthem.

This is causing some degree of consternation with some people.

Fox idiot Brian Kilmead called it “…the laziest form of activism he’d ever seen.”  and claims “…it will possibly cause division between white and black members on teams as well as possibly in the stands.”

The basis for the protest, injustice and brutality, don’t seem to garner the same concern. The other implication made is that all black and white people, within their respective groups have uniform mindsets and opinions.

Kid schlock (Rock), offered a “Fuck you” to Colin during a performance. Although some will disagree with his ignorance, NO ONE will try to prevent him from saying it or claim that he doesn’t have the right!

Is the irony there obvious enough?

 

Kate Upton says the actions of Kaepernick and other athletes is unacceptable and are even more so on September the 11th. Did all inequity cease to be on and after 9/11 2001? Is it that we are simply meant to agree to ignore it for twenty four hours? I may be wrong but I find it very hard to believe that she has had to protest much injustice. Therefore, should she be considered an effective commentator on how or when to do it properly?

Trent Dilfer expressed his point of view, which is that Colin is not a starting player and should therefore keep his mouth shut. I was unaware that the First Amendment could be supplanted by not being on a starting lineup in the NFL.

The common thread with all of these free-speech dissenters is that, likely, not one of them has ever NEEDED to or been FORCED to defend themselves or the unalienable rights of others like them. They may have had a negative experience here and there that they can claim demonstrates some oppression, but it is highly unlikely that any of them has suffered social or institutional injustice.

The goal here is distraction and establishing placeism.

That goal was nearly met. The conversation almost successfully transitioned away from the initial point that was brutality and injustice.

It is  contradictory to be condemned for so-called rioting and the destruction of  buildings and property in angry protest, and then to be damned for peaceful exercising of one’s rights. Those people that do act out forcefully are called thugs and criminals?

Then, in contrast, we are also told not to sit quietly and peacefully as educated successful professionals with knowledge of lawful rights. Those people expressing their rights in that manner are also called many negative things.

Again, the intention is to keep you in our proper place – subserviently receiving whatever is presented and in whatever form it comes.

What is acceptable dissent?

 

 

 

 

 

Kudos to Shannon Sharpe, Jessie Ventura, several Military members and President Barack Obama for stating the pertinent points of this movement plainly and supporting the right to dissent.