Fear In Exercising First Amendment Rights?

You can believe it. Donald Trump’s policies are putting our first amendment rights in danger.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees citizens the fundamental rights of free speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. These rights are essential for a functioning democracy and allows individuals to express their opinions and dissent without fear of government retaliation or censorship.

However, under Trump's administration, there have been numerous instances where these rights have been threatened.

One notable example is the administration's approach to the media. Trump has consistently labeled various news outlets as "fake news" and has publicly criticized journalists who report unfavorably about him or his policies. Even in press conferences during questioning of Trump or his subordinates, where there is supposed to be transparency of the administration’s actions, he ridicules members of the press corps, with the notable exception of FOX News.

This adversarial relationship can create a chilling effect on the press, as journalists may feel pressured to avoid critical reporting to evade backlash or potential repercussions. Such an environment undermines the essential role of the press of informing the public and holding those in power accountable. These things are the cornerstone of democratic society.

Also, Trump's rhetoric has often encouraged hostility towards protestors and activists, particularly those expressing dissenting viewpoints. This administration has shown a tendency to support law enforcement crackdowns on peaceful protests, which raises serious questions about the right to assemble and express dissent. Instances of police using excessive force against protestors have been reported, and these actions can deter individuals from participating in demonstrations, thus stifling free expression and the ability to voice dissent. Fear of retribution has become a very real reality.

In addition to these direct threats, there are also broader implications of Trump's policies that may indirectly affect First Amendment rights. For example, his administration's stance on immigration and national security has led to increased surveillance and scrutiny of certain communities, particularly those based on race or religion. This affects specific neighborhoods of cities and communities. If you live in a barrio or low-income area of any city, you may feel the real presence of law enforcement spending more time in that area and that may be considered profiling more that proactive law enforcement.

This environment of fear can lead to self-censorship, where individuals refrain from expressing their opinions or participating in public discourse due to concerns about being targeted or persecuted.

Furthermore, the push for social media regulation and the ongoing discussions about "big tech" censorship has raised alarms about potential government overreach into digital expression. While addressing misinformation and harmful content is important, there is a fine line between regulation and censorship. If policies are implemented that favor certain viewpoints over others, or if there is a lack of transparency in how content is moderated, this could have a detrimental impact on free speech in online platforms, where many Americans engage in discourse and share information.

Today on-line expression is under threat and that is a concern. Even for our content writers. If we or our readers are not allowed full expression, whether we agree or disagree, the impulse for self-censorship is there, and thus prevents real dissent. Why?

Because Donald Trump has proven with his past actions, all the way back to his days in business, he can be cruel and vindictive. His demonstrated method of reprisal is to compel his adversaries into court and break them financially. When he did not want to pay his contractors the agreed amount, he would keep them buried in lawyer costs to the point where they would give up. There are example of his methods forcing many to finally give up on their businesses. We can witness this today with his strongarm tactics with media companies.

These types of people are very predictable, if we took the time to look at their past behavior. Learned behavior is very hard to change. Especially if the person with that learned behavior has spent a lifetime being rewarded for it. Grifters never need to work if someone is always rewarding them.

When we see masked men with guns in our streets going from house to house with no warrants, we really do look like a banana republic. So, it's not your house today? Well, perhaps it will be next year.

If these abuses are not stopped now in their tracks, they will become the norm. Maybe everything is not perfect in this country. But when we accept masked men with guns walking our streets, that should frighten everyone into action. These invoke memories of brownshirts and jackbooted thugs.

If the idea of walking down the street and some masked man with a gun and authoritive demand of "YOUR PAYPUHS PLEEESE!" doesn't frighten you into action, and you accept this as the new normal, then I am living in the wrong country. We will have become an autocracy.

However. Not for me. I have not given up.

While the First Amendment is protection for individual liberties, the policies and rhetoric associated with Donald Trump's administration pose real challenges to these rights.

The implications of these actions extend beyond immediate concerns, as they could lead to long-term changes in the way free speech is understood and practiced in the United States.

We all need to remain vigilant and advocate for the protection of our rights to ensure that freedom of expression and the press are preserved for future generations.

Think about it and be sure to VOTE!

Jack Wilson

Opinion