David Harsanyi on Protecting Free Speech From Politicians
We are, as it always seems, "at a pivotal moment in American history." At least that's what Sens. Tom Udall and Bernie Sanders maintained in a melodramatic Politico op-ed last week as they explained their efforts to repeal the First Amendment (Ed. note: The proposed amendment was defeated in the Senate). Meanwhile 16 states and the District of Columbia have passed resolutions calling on Congress to reinstitute restriction on free speech.
But no single issue is more important to the needs of average Americans than upholding the Constitution over the vagaries of contemporary political life, argues David Harsanyi. The people elected to office should uphold their oath to protect the Constitution rather than find ways to undermine it. And Americans' right to free speech should not be proportionate to their political power. This is why it's vital to stop politicians from imposing capricious limits on Americans.