Editorial: Outlawing Protest and Public Speech - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Editorial: Outlawing Protest and Public Speech

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Of all of our freedoms none is more precious than the first amendment - the freedom of speech, of religion, and the freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances.  Why then has there been no outcry over the most recent assault on this freedom---an infringement that is clearly unconstitutional? I am referring to the Federal Restricted Buildings and Ground Improvement Act of 2011 that President Obama signed into law just two weeks ago. Now, the law's title sounds innocuous enough but it's provisions are downright scary.  The law, believe it or not, permits secret service agents to designate any place they wish as a location where free speech and other first amendment rights are suspended or prohibited. Well, that means you would be breaking the law if you were to speak out critically in the presence of the president---or, for that matter, anyone under the protection of the secret service…and that could include foreign leaders. Now, incredibly, this law was supported overwhelmingly by both parties in congress. In an earlier age, this law would be characterized for what it is, as tyranny.  We can only hope the courts overturn it.

Write and let me know what you think.  I'm Bill Applegate and here's the address:

WOIO Editorial
1717 E.12th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114

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