As my last blog assignment for Mass Media, I watched a documentary called Shouting Fire. I was deeply troubled by this documentary. This kind of stuff really gets me revved up. The documentary focused on freedom of speech in America. The point the film made was that Americans have walked a very fragile line with free speech. Throughout our nations history, it has infringed and even suspended free speech during times of war. When Americans enter into war, we immediately let fear dictate over reason and strip our own rights away. Millions of Americans have and will, willingly, hand over their civil liberties to award a false sense of security. Shame on us.

The 1st amendment has been, in my life,  the most important and impacting amendment to The Constitution. As a musician, the 1st amendment was my shield that protected me from cops when we cursed them on stage or in records. It’s what kept my friend Kevin Richard from getting arrested when he proudly stuck his middle finger in a cops face after they shut down one of my shows. The look of total disdain on the policeman’s face was priceless, but there was nothing he could do. It was one of my favorite shows, and I only played one note.

I grew up under the impression that the verbal diarrhea that pours out of the mouth of American’s was protected. I thought words were sacred. The very essence of freedom. Just as it was pointed it out in the documentary, democracy fails without freedom of speech. How else can we level the playing field with government if not calling out together and challenging them. One statement that I think will resonate with me for the rest of my life is that the right to protest is the primary force preventing civil unrest, rioting, and terrorism against one’s own government. It’s the only civil way for a populous to demand change.

We had a discussion in class a few weeks back about Rush Limbaugh’s classless remarks about Sandra Fluke. As I stated on this blog, and in the class, Rush Limbaugh is an important voice in this country and has every right to use it. The fact of the matter is, everyone’s voice is important. All 300 million of us. However, let me set the record straight, I totally think Rush is a tool and he should retire. The unfortunate truth however, is even if he retired today, some new knucklehead would come along and pick up where he left off.

Back to the film.

If the LGBT have the right to march, then so do the crazy right-wingers who oppose them (even if they might be tools like Rush). The christian young man in the film has every right to voice his opinion, even if it is unpopular or offending. Disagreements are a reality of cohabitation. I get offended all the time. The young man I’m speaking of pissed me off. That doesn’t mean I think he should be shut up.

We need to keep up the fight. Regardless of how asinine someone can be by saying hateful or offensive things, all we have to do is remember that we don’t have to be like them. Turn the channel. Walk away. Tell them to screw themselves. Whatever works for you. Just remember, it’s a miracle that the idea of free speech even exists. Even more amazing is the fact that a society has adopted it and made it law. So, whatever you do, don’t take it for granted. One day you may be the one needing its protection.

It’s a great documentary. Very informative. Enjoy!