Teaching Constitutional Law these past years, I have been torn by the Texas v. Johnson case in which the Supreme Court seemed to unhappily support the Constitutionality of burning the flag as a political protest. I hate this case, but understand their view point. Our Country was born because of political protest. Those colors woven in blood and sacrifice represent those rights of freedom of speech and protest. But if we are to accept and stand by this painful decision as the "Supreme Law of the Land," then why doesn't the law stand by those who choose to wear the flag as a sign of protest? School children wearing American flag clothing to protest Cinco de Mayo in this country were sent home for their efforts. Where are their rights? Why can a disgruntled man protesting a political party burn an American flag in public and hide behind the First Amendment, but school children expressing thier disconent over the presence of illegal aliens are sent home for WEARING the flag? Where is the logic in this? I think that the lesson is this: Free Speech is only for the left, only for those who denigrate traditional values. Freedom of Religion is now Freedom from Religion. Freedom of speech exists only for those whose speech is "politically correct."
How long will it be before I am not allowed to make these kinds of posts? How long will it be before the thought police come into our classrooms in private colleges and universities and muzzle conservatives like myself? These questions are not rhetorical--they are real concerns.
5 comments:
Well said Sissy. I wish you weren't right, but I'm so afraid you are.
I remember once in Modern America when we were talking about the election of Harry Truman that you made the comment that you felt he had to be God's man for the hour because otherwise he would not have gotten elected (that may be a paraphrase, it was a few years ago). And then also saying you felt blessed to be in a school that allowed you to say such things. I hope a time is not coming when it will be the opposite case even in the private schools............
Heather, TMC not only supports faculty in the discussion of their faith, they encourage it. I am so very grateful. This is true ACADEMIC FREEDOM. My fears are that there will be an over reaching government restriction on content. But, we serve a risen Savior!
Susan, these are truly signs of the times.
Some years ago our pastor teacher told us we must have more Bible doctrine in our souls because the day was coming that if we didn't we would fall a part. I must stop and think each day about Gods word after I read or see the news.
Patsy
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