The First Amendment. It’s hard to imagine a series of statements this country holds so dearly, or a series of statements that have caused more confusion and anger.
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 to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
A few simple statements, to be sure, but ones that have served America like no other and have made this nation what it is today. Guaranteed freedoms. Quite a concept.
As much as its hands have shaped the rough clay of this country, the First Amendment is still under attack today. Many say that it goes too far and doesn’t offer the protections citizens should have against hate groups that spout vitriol against different religions, sexual orientations and races, to name a few.
For the second time in the past six months, such a group has challenged the residents of North Kitsap to action. In October, the Westboro Baptist Church spoke out against the Jewel Box Theatre’s production of “The Laramie Project.” The group promised a protest that never came to fruition. In response, citizens here gathered en masse to show their support of the play and everything it stands for.
This week, the gauntlet of hate was again thrown at our doorstep. This time, it was the pro-Aryan National Alliance, Kitsap County that littered our community with its own small-minded views of “Black History Month.” No matter how cowardly we may view such blatant racism, we must remember that they are within their rights as Americans to express such feelings — no matter how damaging or hurtful.
And we will remain within ours.
As a community, we should view this not as a slap in the face to our values but as an opportunity to speak up for the continuing fight for equality. The hit from the National Alliance may still be stinging and red but we must assure its members that we’ll be standing tall and proud of our diversity no matter how many swings they take.
We are hurt by their display but North Kitsap won’t shrink away from this fight. It’s far too important and there is too much at stake.
If North Kitsap backs off here, if we do not continue to challenge groups like the WBC and the National Alliance, we, in essence, refuse our rights to speak out against injustice. Exercise your freedom of speech and your freedom of the press — write the Herald on this issue. Let’s keep this one from going under the carpet.
