Freedom of Speech: A Relic in a Bygone Era of Constitutional Rights
By Kevin A. Lehmann on in Kevin's Commentary, Politics
Our First Amendment freedom of speech is under attack and it’s getting uglier by the day. I am alarmed at the level of vitriol and hatred that’s personally levied against myself and others for nothing more than expressing our respective thoughts and beliefs. Invariably, I receive hate e-mail after each radio show, Op-Ed and article I write.
Why is that? Because I take a stand. I speak up, speak out and speak truthfully. I challenge the status quo and question the erroneous ideology of various entities, often refusing to subscribe to their psychological subjugation.
Anymore, the First Amendment is but a relic in a bygone era of Constitutional rights. And the exercise of that right can be costly indeed. My son being the lone exception, I have been disavowed by what little flesh and blood family I have. Moreover, I’ve been cut off by certain friends and excoriated by most church-going Christians. Given the choice between the two, I need only think about the pain and sacrifice that was paid by the colonialists during the revolutionary war. I’ll take freedom of speech.
Although some of my writings are provocative in nature, it’s the message and not the messenger that I’m most critical of. I don’t judge a man by his ideology, his politics or his social and philosophical views. I judge him by his heart, his convictions, and his character.
In fact, I have more respect for my outwardly open enemies who stand on their principles and convictions, than I do fair weathered friends who have capitulated their inalienable rights to freedom for a non-confrontational, but repressive and restrained existence.
Constitutionally, we have freedom of speech, but sadly, today it’s in principle only. Try reciting the Lord’s Prayer at a certain military cemetery in Houston, or pledging allegiance to one nation under God, or claiming your Christian faith at a Muslim rally in the public square.
Contrary to its claim, freedom of speech is no freer than freedom itself. It was paid for by the bloodshed of past Americans—a ransom, so that successive generations like ours could experience emancipation from tyrannical suppression, lest anyone should speak against the state.
Today, our First Amendment right has all but been undermined in the name of political correctness, tolerance, and unity—21st century buzz words for Socialism, Marxism and Communism. The very exercise of that right often comes at a heavy cost.
When I am vilified by those who oppose me exercising my First Amendment right, I don’t look at the person so much as I do the culture of conditioning to which my opposition has been predisposed. It merely serves to strengthen my resolve to exercise it, free them of their social inertia, and inspire others to break the bonds of banality and experience the intrinsic liberation commensurate with the exercise of their freedom of speech.
Intangible in form, like most worthy ideals, freedom of speech can surreptitiously disappear long before you ever realize its gradual extinction. Because of the influx of ethnic diversity in the United States, it is methodically being usurped by the veneer of social ecumenism and cultural tolerance.
Patriotic Americans who believe in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights cannot let that happen. Aside from the revolutionary war, at no time in our nation’s history has it ever been more important to exercise your freedom of speech.
Speak up and speak out against the orchestrated attack on our freedoms, our liberties, and our way of life. Let Congress know that you’re not going to take it anymore!
In the words of Edmund Burke… “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Until next time . . . Wake Up America!
Kevin A. Lehmann
I invite you to share your thoughts in the comment box below.
If you are a Facebook friend and like my articles, blog posts and op-eds, due to time constraints and a rapidly growing list of readers, please subscribe to CatchKevin.com by email and share my blog and radio show with your friends and family.
Please share my acclaimed internet talk show with people who value real, raw and relevant radio. If you see fit to make a financial contribution in support of my show and blog . . . Thank You!
Related Posts :
34 Comment(s)
By Mark E. Gurgevich on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
So Kevin, you have stood your ground and you have developed some enemies! Well I have a few words for you my friend. With respect to the State you live in get yourself armed, and then keep holding your ground and if you need re-enforcements give me a call I will bring the Calvary and come to your aide ! Just today at a Congressional Meeting here in Corpus Christi, Tx I had a thug try to tell me that my question was not relevent because the question had been asked at a previous meeting with my Congressman. I very abruptly turned to him and told him to shut the hell up and he walked away and I resumed speaking to my Congressman. I guess my point is when someone is tryin to silence you stand your ground, speak lounder and be ready to defend yourself ! Keep up the Great Work Kevin
Sincerely
Mark E. Gurgevich
Always Vigilant
USAF
Corpus Chrsiti, Texas
By Shane Womack on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Excellent message as always. The harder they push to silence us the harder we have to push back. I hate the direction this once great nation is heading. The price is high but worth it for freedom.
By Dev A. Das on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Exactly. Each day that passes this horrific situation becomes more ugly. The US is under attack from the communist person sitting at the desk in the Oval Office at the White House.
By Jan Gustavsson on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
I’m not that educated in US politics but I think every Country has to have someone like Kevin, that are outspoken and not afrid to lift every stone to find both rights and “wrongs” in the system.(s) And that is what he is doing in this article.
We may have a different view of what socialism is but I have lived in Sweden for all my life and it works. Communism does however not.
Thanks Kevin
Jan Gustavsson
By Janie Litchfield on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Kevin, very well said! I totally agree with what you are saying. As a TEA party activist and frequent campaign volunteer, my husband and I have been shunned by family members and friends as well. On April 15th, 2008, I excused myself from work to attend the first TEA party rally on City Dock in Annapolis….non-stop pouring down rain.
I was promptly fired.
We believe that the escalated hatered and assault on the economy is because the left knows that Americans are waking up…and they aren’t holding back ANYTHING. They are going to ram through thier agenda full speed ahead into Armageddon.
With each new bizaar news story, we just say, “The Devil is getting desparate!”
Therefore, Hope for the best, but damn right, we are preparing for the worst.
And if those very same family and friends all of the sudden realize that they NEED us, we will be there for them. We’ll hold our faith n the Lord and know that he is with us.
So God Speed and keep up the great articles!
By Debra Hart on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Despite the recent burst of patriotism and national pride, we know that there is still something deadly wrong in the heart and soul of America. What bedevils our national soul is not the invisible hand that drives our economy. What bedevils our national soul is the malevolent hand of hatred. Not the hatred of foreign fanatics bent on our destruction, but the virulent hatred of those born and raised here, who despite the freedom that this nation represents, despise what this nation is. That malignant hatred is far more dangerous than the hatred of foreign fanatics, because foreign fanatics are the enemies we can see, the enemies who openly declare their hatred. But the home-grown animosity comes in the guise of friendship, it smiles and pretends that it just wants to make America better, while hiding the dagger waiting to be plunged into the nation’s heart.
By Annie Demarco on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Kevin…Freedom of Speech is something I fear generations to come will never know or understand the true value of. Your article perfectly defined it’s true meaning. This needs to be passed on to remind people just what they are giving up by conforming to and placing so much faith in this administrations agenda. I am baffled by the willingness to give up such a God given right. They are willingly giving up their right to think, to choose, to love to hate. Those 21st century buzz words you mentioned, the bastards in control knew exactly how to manipulate the minds of the voters with simple words. It’s like we have to play the game they do to reverse it. If that’s at all possible at this point. But it is worth fighting for. Edmund Burke…all we can do is hold onto those words and never stop speaking out against this “take over” of our lives as we know it. People like you are doing your part and I hope you never stop. We all need to do our part. Those who choose to stay silent will wake up one day and wonder where their America went. I want to be one of those people with an answer. Thanks for all your hard work and true words.
By Patti Winger on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Excellent article, Kevin!
What I am seeing, especially on facebook where I spend the majority of my time, are good people who are truly living in fear of speaking their minds. Almost daily, articles and news stories are aired about folks who were simply exercising their right to free speech, but somehow they are quickly labeled as terrorists and prosecuted accordingly. And then there are those (black panthers, code pink, etc) who are also practicing their 1st amendment rights but are “let off the hook.”
The hatred and vitriol directed at you is likely from uncle spooky dood soros and his minions whose main goal is to eliminate our constitution entirely.
NOW more than ever, we must speak LOUDLY and speak the truth.
“What we really need in our search for truth is a commodity that used to be at the heart of good journalism: facts — along with a willingness to present those facts without fear or favor.” Ted Koppel
By Mary Ellen Brown on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Kevin, again you have hit the nail on the head for us. I never get angry when someone disagrees with me, that’s what freedom of speech is all about. But not everyone agrees with my interpretation, and those are the ones who come after us when we point out the things that need to be changed in this country, the crooked politicians, the injustices, the swift removal of so many of our freedoms. You’d think they’d be upset at these losses too. So many of my own family, ancestors and close friends have died over the years so that I am able to speak my mind, that I will never stop. And the vile names I am called, the ridicule and hatred just makes me more determined.
You are so right, freedom of speech is becomming a joke, and not a funny one.
Good article, Kevin. Thanks.
By Greg Wilkins on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Sometimes its easier to push this under the rug and pretend its not happening, pretend eveything is going to be ok. For me, Kevin is that constant reminder that its not, on its own, going to correct itself. We all need to stand up turn and say ‘Shut Up’ as did Mark E. Gurgevich. Keep it coming Kevin, its your calling, we are listening, ready to fight when called, fight for America. GOD BLESS America
By Curt Anderson on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Excellent article Kevin. I wish to comment on one of your statements; “I have been disavowed by what little flesh and blood family I have.” I put my two girls each through 8-1/2 years of higher (subjective term nowadays)education. One is a physician and one is an educator. As the two progressed through college each became increasingly distant and their worldviews adversarial to the principles taught to them at home. I assumed with age and maturity they would return to the 1st principles but so far that assumption is in error. The anti-core-family, anti-individual, anti-capitalist endocrination they received in college prevails with them and evidently the support they receive from their peers for their disdain of traditional values is stronger than their appreciation of family and natural law. I do not blame them as I am guilty of having financed the brain washing. I assure you that you are not the only one experiencing isolation from family due to your conservative worldview. Keep up the good work.
By Tracy on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
They marginalize the conservative viewpoint so much that people feel emboldened to be hateful. In fact, I’ve found members of the left to act extremely paranoid. Fear breeds hate. This is what we get accused of. Keep up your voice. Focus on issues they cannot debate you on.
By Lee bercegeay on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Isn’t the vitriol and hatred that’s personally levied against you nothing more than them expressing their respective thoughts and beliefs?
By Kevin A. Lehmann on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Curt, I’m sorry to hear that. It’s a tough enemy and will take a generation to reverse course.
By Kevin A. Lehmann on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
No. I have no problem with dialogue and debate. It’s healthy. I’m talking about the nasty e-mails and comments I don’t post.
By James G. Borden on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
If American Patriots lose our First Amendment rights, we will be forced to exercise our Second Amendment Rights.
James G. Borden
Newsletter Editor
AMERICAN PATRIOTS’ MOVEMENT OF AMERICA
Nationa Headquarters
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
By Michael Connelly on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Good job Kevin. The attacks on free speech and our other rights are escalating every day. That’s why I’ve formed the Constitutional Law Alliance. We need to be more active in defending our rights.
By Michael Cheverie Dewey on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
After walking away from that born again stuff of the 70s…while thinking I was going to hell, the non-judgmental awareness of the Inner Gamer of Tennis came my way; which I applied to Pool and Life. That non-judgmental awareness grew into my life and Game. Then in 94 at 36 Rocking Down angels woke me up as to how its all going to happen in the flesh in times like these later days too.
Now to change the subject a little, I see that there are solutions from just about every side, basically left and right. The enemy which we must Unite against is the Corporate Fascism which owns the people’s Govt. Its a good thing to have smaller Govt; but then lets cut the Military at least in half. And its a good thing in this age that there are some safety-nets for those who have fallen through the cracks.
By Olegario Martinez on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Excellent article Kevin,
Based on the comments you can see that you are not alone. There are many of us who still believe the way you do. I too, have a daughter who will not speak to me based on our differing views, but I continue to pray that the Lord will open her eyes. We need to stand strong for if we fail the next generation is gone.
By Kevin A. Lehmann on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
@Michael Connelly. Coming from you, I’ll take that as a major Kudos. I’m honored. Your work and your career inspire me to both be more proactive and continue to hone my writing. I look forward to seeing your newest project come to fruition.
By Craig Smith on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
On target, as usual Kevin. The left only defends the freedom of speech when it agrees with their agenda. The grand hypocrisy is their branding of any viewpoint at odds with theirs as hate speech, fiscal canservatism is terrorism. In the current news, we see a liberal lawmaker getting a candy pulled from a university bookstore, as it was poking fun at their demigod Obama. It was OK when the candies were making Bush jokes however. Get your Obama Disapoint Mints today!
By Nina on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
NUREMBERG TRIALS – ACTS OF TREASON AND ACTS OF WAR
PASS “GLASS-STEAGALL”, NOW!
“Those in the United States Congress, who voted for Obama’s Hitler coup, have earned themselves a seat in the defendants’ balcony, for a modern day Nuremberg trial. All who wish to be acquitted -pass Glass-Steagall, now.
WE ARE WEEKS IF NOT DAYS AWAY FROM THE POINT OF NO RETURN.”
http://youtu.be/e3Afiv1Uya8
By Enigmaticaluna on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Great article…
I have great admiration for the Founders, not only they were great persons with a vision, but by far the most wise people, God has put in earth in just one time one Country.
When they create the first amendment, where this subject is base upon, they didn’t do it thinking on the rights of those that by using hate they will trash what this represent. The first amendment was created to bring people rights of free thought, and free faith, to be able to gather and talk about the issues of the day, with out being prosecute, to give the media the power need to do truthful reporting, today the first amendment like someone has pointed, is more like a joke. The very reason why this was created, are the reasons that seems today to try to silence the truth and the natural freedoms of others.hate and cult is not part of that equation, hate by liberals with their name call, their fear mongering, their destruction of decency and moral values, cult by supporting islam, totally against what stand for.
Today more than ever is imperative for people to stand up and keep speaking up, we are the majority and we should be unite as in army to defend this rights, not just ours but even those that attack us. Only with the truth, with principle, courage, valor, wisdom, the American spirit, integrity, can we bring back this Nation back where should be.
STAND UP, SPEAK UP AND NEVER SURRENDER!!!!
Some will take on us, some will call us names but the truth can’t be hide, nor silence, must be spoken and must pass to our future generations, eventually they will see what we see, because nothing last forever, and the young is going to see the big lie…
We’re not alone, we just need to unite.
Thank you for your article, I believe it’s how many patriots feel today.
God Bless.
By Michael Cheverie Dewey on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
I recall that the last advice given to John in Revelations 22:10-11, told not to be kept secret, was basically the Beatles songs Let It Be & Live and Let Die. Do I apply those words wrong? I think not. For Rock and Roll r the 7 Pearls, (As I call them) of Thunder kept secret in Revelations 10.
I wish that every one would take the words of Jeremiah 23:33-40 as seriously as I do. You can find the words in Jer 23. ‘In the latter days you will clearly understand it”: in a huge rebuke to leaders then and now. Jeremiah 23:33-4o says that “if you hold to the oracle of the lord that there will be an every lasting reproach.” That sure sounds like the Liberty which founded this Broken Promised Land.
By Michael on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Freedom of speech is a foundational right every citizen should embrace, exercise and protect. According to Oliver Wendell Holmes, “The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic.” While this opinion is controversial, I believe it sheds light on the concern voiced in your post.
In short, reason has vanished from America. Many citizens appear incapable of responsible discourse—exploring different perspectives. As a nation it seems we’re no longer able or willing to distinguish facts from beliefs, perception from reality; nor deploy independent critical thinking. When rhetoric, slander and propaganda replace reason, is there any question why Washington does what it does? Screaming fire in the name of ideology has become commonplace. Extraordinary claims no longer require extraordinary evidence… just the opposite. False claims are readily accepted and repeated as unquestionable truths. When was the last legitimate debate you witnessed? Imagine someone today saying, “Wow, excellent points… honestly, I hadn’t considered that perspective… you’ve made me rethink my position.” Such a response would require an intelligent, responsible and honest person.
You mostly stand behind your positions, Kevin. You also listen to the perspectives of others… and remain open to new possibilities. This is what separates you from most “controversial” commentators. I don’t always agree with your positions, but I respect you for the reasons stated above.
Regarding religious speech/freedom; in America religion, especially monotheistic religions of the Abrahamic tradition are treated with kid gloves. Citizens are conditioned to respect religious beliefs and not to ask questions… regardless of how ludicrous, immoral or dangerous these religious beliefs or actions may be. Yes, religion receives special treatment in America… it’s exempt from legitimate examination, scrutiny or discussion. Can you imagine being expected to accept a philosophy, science, mythology or anything else without questioning it? Hell no! Religion gets a free pass. To quote Robert Persig: “When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called a Religion.” That said, it’s America, and people can believe and practice what they want! My atheist friends wonder why I pray and believe in some unknowable concepts. They consider theses beliefs delusional. I respect their perspective… perhaps they’re right. Some beliefs aren’t provable and faith is a complicated issue. With this understanding, I don’t expect them or anyone else to support my beliefs without proof… nor do I expect special treatment or an unquestioned allegiance from society for believing in abstract, un-provable concepts.
Around 1650 the western world gave birth to the “Age of Reason”… Enlightenment. Logic and reason replaced dogma and ideology… this movement opposed intolerance and abuses by church and state. Instead it promoted intellectual dialogue and a responsible exchange of ideas. Why is this important? It’s because this philosophy greatly influenced our founding fathers. While some were influenced by the Bible, they looked to the great works of Enlightenment philosophers when forming this nation and writing its constitution. It was reason without freedom that led our founder’s to demonstrate, rebel and revolt. That’s at the foundation of our country! Today we have freedom, but without reason or rationality! The results… chaos, fear and anarchy. Freedom may be won with blood… but it flourishes when rational citizen—responsible and accountable for their words and actions prevail. Our founding fathers were largely educated men… intellectually curious… truth seekers. They imagined a land where citizens would follow in this tradition… in fact, they bet our freedom on it. While the Enlightenment replaced dogma with reason… today’s Americans have embraced just the opposite. Citizens cherish the freedom of ignorance far more than the freedom of reason… perhaps that’s why education is under attack? Being a patriot is less about flying a flag… and more about defending our founding fathers “Enlightened” vision of freedom. Thanks for letting me weigh in.
By margaret garcia on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
An absoutely a great article. We take for granted our rights until the threat of losing them. Freedom of speech is one of our most valued rights. Many died for this right and I fear many more will again have to fight to hang on to it. Thank you for sharing this article with me and I am proud to pass it on.
By Kevin A. Lehmann on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
What an incredible response! …”As a nation it seems we’re no longer able or willing to distinguish facts from beliefs, perception from reality; nor deploy independent critical thinking. When rhetoric, slander and propaganda replace reason, is there any question why Washington does what it does? Screaming fire in the name of ideology has become commonplace. Extraordinary claims no longer require extraordinary evidence… just the opposite. False claims are readily accepted and repeated as unquestionable truths. When was the last legitimate debate you witnessed? Imagine someone today saying, “Wow, excellent points… honestly, I hadn’t considered that perspective… you’ve made me rethink my position.” Such a response would require an intelligent, responsible and honest person.” As usual Michael, you’re dead on! Obviously, as a self-described Iconoclastic Christian, I couldn’t agree with you more. Hence my reason for defecting Commercial Churchianity and organized religion. Robert Persig is absolutely correct. I was a part of that delusion at one time, especially when attending Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. Anywhere else and these people would be in the funny farm. I always value your perspective and learn much from your posts. And please, you’re always welcome to weigh in. Don’t thank me, I should be thanking you.
By Sally on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
All I can say is you are right, but stop talking about it and do something. There is a grassroot movement forming to DC 9-11-11+ to take her back. Please spread the word far and wide thank you! We are asking for at least 10 million, but we will see who really cares and who really wants to do something! This will not be a rah rah rally>
By Kevin A. Lehmann on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
Sally, what in the hell do you think I’m doing? We all have a roll to play. Don’t diminish others contribution to taking our country back just because they might not be able to march in D.C. How in the world do you think rallies across the country get started and organized? Writers and bloggers help shape the narrative and give people the talking points to educate others.
By James W. O. Rogers on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
Kevin, I stand with you on this issue of Freedom of Speech, one of the most sacred of our God-given “rights!”
Only those who fear freedom of thought seek to terminate our Freedom of Speech.
The worshipers of socialism, i.e., big government, are those who are denied freedom of thought. They are commanded, or brain-washed, into parroting the lies of socialism; lies that have been disproven every time they’re implemented.
Denying Freedom of Speech is akin to denying freedom of thought ~~ and that is the denial of life!!!
By Robert Klein Engler on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
You may be interested in this:
You may be interested in the links below.
Any help you can give by publicizing what is happening
at Roosevelt University will help resolve this matter.
Best regards,
–RKE
http://robertkleinenglerdefensefund.bbnow.org/index.php
These two articles document how budget problems at Roosevelt
effect their view of “social justice.”
http://www.suntimes.com/business/6830244-420/roosevelt-university-cutting-costs-amid-expansions.html
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/blog/roosevelts_hubris.php
This note sheds more light on how Professor Engler was treated.
“That a school “based on social justice” (Roosevelt University’s website confirms Ms. Solis’s assertion) denied Mr. Engler a chance to fairly defend himself reeks of hypocrisy.”
http://www.mindingthecampus.com/forum/2011/07/the_unfortunate_case_of_robert.html
The comments to this article are worth reading:
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2011/01/18/the_prissiest_p.html
By Kevin A. Lehmann on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
Robert, I read the links. If you see this response, send me an e-mail about your current status. I might be interested in tying your story into a future show on “professor tenure” and the hijacking of our kids’ by the liberally dominated higher educational system.
By Michael Cheverie Dewey on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
What if we all got together to fulfill the just-ice of Isaih 23:17-18, 24:21-24 and 25? Wouldn’t it be cool to use the profits for those in need, even if it takes throwing them in jail, so the people can have that huge party where the veil will be lifted from All Nations eyes. Then they will understand what they have not ever been told: which is I think, some where in Jeremiah.
By ScotSheely on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
Bravo! Succinct, savvy and sufficient to relay such an important message that our forefathers warned us about many years ago. Freedom of speech is not free, its price is paid in blood. I applaud you in your writings and overall efforts to wake up the hypnotized liberal left. Other than that audience, you are preaching to the choir here in this forum. Please keep up your hard work, Kevin. In the words of TV’s Dr. Frasier Crane: “I’m listening”.