Along with being an American citizen comes certain rights. However at times these rights seem to be limited due to beliefs and customs of others. In a perfect society everyone would be able to express themselves however they see fit, except we do not live in a perfect society and therefore certain provisions need to be made in order to create peace. In my opinion the issue that seems to be most controversial is that of Freedom of Speech. Often times the ideas of one individual insult or offend others. The question is how do we deal with this situation?.
The constitution clearly states that.
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 peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
This is all fine and good as far as government goes, but in order to live amongst others, this law needs some interpretation. Perhaps treating this law as gold is not the wisest way to approach freedom of speech. Perhaps instead people should think about how what they are saying is going to effect the lives of other American citizens before they speak their mind. .
First we as a people must define the term freedom. Freedom in its simplest form is the right to do as one pleases, but what happens when two people please two different things. In this case the term freedom must be redefined. Freedom then becomes the right to do as one pleases as long as it doesn't offend anyone. However with this definition we also run into problems, because no matter what the issue someone will always be offended, so we are once again sent back to the drawing board. Now we are left with a definition as follows: Freedom is the right to do as one pleases with a minimal amount of disruption to other's values.
As far as I am concerned no matter what the definition our first amendment rights are bound to be limited.
