As FCC Chair, I stand firmly against any attempts to undermine the First Amendment, especially when it comes to calls to pull broadcast licenses over disagreements with content. The recent call by Trump to pull ABC licenses over the presidential debate is not only absurd but also dangerous for our democracy. The cornerstone of our democracy is the freedom of speech, and revoking licenses based on personal grievances sets a dangerous precedent that could stifle the free press.
It is ludicrous to even entertain the idea of pulling licenses just because a political candidate disagrees with the content or coverage. The role of the FCC is to regulate communication channels, not to bend to the whims of a sore loser who can’t handle criticism.… Continue reading
Trump says we ‘gotta’ restrict the First Amendment. The mere thought of such an appalling statement should send shivers down the spine of every American who values democracy and freedom. Trump’s proposal to send someone to jail for a year for burning the American flag is not only absurd but fundamentally anti-American. The flag itself symbolizes the very freedom to engage in such acts of protest. It represents the right to dissent, to criticize, to speak out against injustice, and to challenge the status quo.
The fact that Trump is openly advocating for the restriction of the First Amendment is a clear indication of his authoritarian tendencies.… Continue reading
I can’t believe we are at a point where the former president of the United States is openly talking about restricting the First Amendment. It’s truly alarming to see someone who once swore an oath to uphold the Constitution now wanting to dismantle one of the fundamental pillars of democracy – free speech. The fact that this is even a topic of discussion is deeply concerning and highlights the dangerous path we could be headed down if we don’t take a stand against this assault on our rights.
It’s ironic how Trump and his supporters claim to be champions of freedom and choice, yet here they are advocating for the restriction of free speech.… Continue reading
Donald Trump’s latest outburst claiming it to be “illegal” to criticize his Supreme Court appointees is nothing short of absurd. It begs the question: does he even understand the basic tenets of the First Amendment, or is he just conveniently ignoring them when they don’t suit his agenda? As an American citizen, I am deeply troubled by the idea that our elected officials, especially the President, would seek to restrict our right to freedom of speech and expression merely because they are being held accountable for their choices.
The notion that criticizing judges and justices should be punishable by “very serious crimes” is not only preposterous but also dangerous.… Continue reading
When former President Trump stated that there should be a one-year jail sentence for anyone who desecrates the American flag, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions. On one hand, I can understand the sentiment behind wanting to protect a symbol that holds so much significance for many Americans. However, the idea of criminalizing an act as simple as burning or disrespecting the flag goes against the very principles of freedom and democracy that the flag is supposed to represent.
Throughout history, the American flag has been a powerful symbol of the values and ideals that our nation stands for.… Continue reading
As a 19-year-old nude dancer taking the state of Florida to court over age restrictions at adult entertainment establishments, I find myself pondering the contradictions and complexities of our society’s view on adulthood and personal freedoms. The law that stipulates dancers must be 21+ if alcohol is served and only go topless, while 18+ dancers can go fully nude in establishments without alcohol, seems arbitrary and restrictive.
The suit filed against Florida argues that this law violates the constitutional right to free speech, preventing dancers from expressing themselves through their art and making a living. It questions the state’s failure to consider alternative measures that could achieve state interests without impinging on First Amendment rights.… Continue reading
He flipped off a trooper and got charged. Now Vermont is on the hook for $175,000.
This incident of a man flipping off a Vermont state trooper, resulting in charges against him and a subsequent payout by the state of $175,000, raises some critical questions about authority and accountability. The fact that the state had to pay out such a significant amount for a first amendment violation is as concerning as it is outrageous. The trooper, identified as Jay Riggen, initiated this whole debacle over a simple gesture that should have been disregarded or, at most, reciprocated in jest.
Cases like these highlight the fine line between exercising one’s rights and facing repercussions from those in positions of authority.… Continue reading
Louisiana becomes the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in public school classrooms. What a laughable attempt at a blatantly unconstitutional move. It’s hard to believe this kind of archaic thinking still exists in our society today. But then again, this is Louisiana we’re talking about – a state that seems more focused on passing frivolous laws rather than addressing real issues.
Let’s face it, placing the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is nothing more than a pointless symbolic gesture that only serves to waste public resources. And coincidentally, Louisiana happens to have one of the most corrupt and Trump-loving governors in the country.… Continue reading
I am absolutely appalled by the recent statements made by Donald Trump regarding his intentions to crush pro-Palestinian protests and deport demonstrators. The fact that he advocates for forcefully removing individuals who are exercising their First Amendment rights is a clear violation of the principles our country was founded on. How can anyone support a leader who openly expresses such disdain for freedom of speech and assembly?
It is deeply concerning to see parallels between Trump’s praise for China over the Tiananmen Square massacre and his approach to handling protests within the United States. His admiration for authoritarian measures, such as using military force to suppress dissent, is a dangerous and authoritarian mindset that has no place in a democratic society.… Continue reading
It’s disheartening to see a story like this coming out of Alabama, where a judge has ordered a driver to apologize or face jail time for uttering the words, “Get your ass out of the way” to a police officer. The incident began when the driver, Mr. Burks, was pulled over for allegedly driving above the speed limit of 25 mph. It’s worth noting that the officer didn’t have concrete proof of the alleged speeding and resorted to estimating the speed using his cruise control, which is a questionable method at best.
After Mr. Burks expressed his disbelief in the officer’s methodology, the situation escalated when the officer stood in front of his vehicle and refused to move.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker