by Jonathan Webb

Created on: July 05, 2008   Last Updated: August 03, 2008

Doesn't the first amendment to the United States Constitution guarantee freedom of speech for everyone? Has that changed? Why should one group be able to say whatever they want and another group be forced into silence? Groups such as MoveOn.org and the ACLU can speak up on anything they want, why should Christian broadcasters be held to a different standard? If someone can answer that question for me then I will be satisfied, but until then I will hang my hat on the first amendment.

Christian broadcasters have as much right to their opinions as anyone else. We allow terrorist leaders to speak through their video recordings on news channels all the time. Yet, we would consider limiting the speech of those who happen to be people of a particular faith? If their views disturb you or make you angry, speak out against them with your 'freedom of speech' or simply turn the channel. It is not that hard to do. And while we are at this point in the discussion let me add that just because it is hard to hear and disagreeable to you does not make it wrong. All of us at some point need to rethink our views and listen to other points on occasion, even if we may initially find them gross or contrary to our own.

How can a nation that allows people to yell at their leader and burn their own flag, not allow people of faith to speak their mind? There is no possible way anyone reading this or watching any news at any point should say no to this question about free speech. Voltaire said, 'I may disagree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.' Where has this attitude gone in our country? Some blame the President and his policies in fighting the war on terror, others say the line separating church and state is blurred.

I say neither of those are true. The President is doing what he deems is necessary to defend this nation and its people and history will judge that decision. Law abiding citizens have nothing to hide and are not being 'spied' on, contrary to what CNN, FOXNEWS, or any other organization may be telling you. Second, separation of church and state has been so distorted and misused it saddens me. Thomas Jefferson among others wanted us to separate church and state (although that phrase is not in the constitution) to protect the church from the state, not the other way around. Boy, were those guys seeing into the future or what! The church is most definitely under attack from the state and it is starting right here with this discussion about free speech for Christian broadcasters.

So, we if allow Code Pink, Greenpeace, and others to rant and yell about their topics whenever and wherever they choose, we better allow Christian broadcasters the same rights to speak up. Islam, Buddhism, and many other religions are protected but now we are going to limit what Christians can say in broadcasts? If I wasn't scared and upset about this prospect I would be laughing right now. But, it is not funny. We should not sit back and watch a vast, and I mean vast minority of people run this great nation into the ground in an effort not to offend anyone. Like I mentioned before, free speech goes both ways. If you don't like what is being said, turn the channel or walk away. You still have that right.

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