1st, 2nd & 4th Amendment
First Amendment
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.
According to the U.S. Navy, service members are generally allowed to express personal views or attend public events, just not in uniform.
Second Amendment
The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms, primarily for self-defense.
Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. It requires that warrants be supported by probable cause and specifically describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. This amendment is a cornerstone of privacy and individual liberty, limiting government power in investigations.
January 6, 2021
Say what you will; both sides were mad.
The original intent for January 6, 2021 by organizers was to raise awareness, stir some controversy, and get the attention of the news media. As supporters of President Donald Trump, they questioned the election results and this was their message. Speakers were planned.
Yes, things went south. They escalated quickly and a Veteran died; people were hurt! This happens all the time with demonstrations. We’ve seen it - year, after year, throughout our history in America. We are all very passionate. Here we are, a deeply divided nation. Again.
It is important to note here: not every participant on J6, nor every Republican for that matter, is a Confederate waving, wooly faced supporter. A great many stand for the First Amendment or the Second. Yet, others, support deeply held evangelical, Christian beliefs, especially when it comes to childbirth or marriage. Or, a strong military, lower taxes or increased gains in their retirement accounts. And, most recently, his efforts to improve issues in criminal justice. There are very normal, middle-of-the-road conservative folks who believe in these things.
Meanwhile, the left supports badly needed social service programs such as food programs and access to medical care. A woman’s choice to keep a pregnancy or not, the environment, less strict-immigration laws. Stricter gun laws, and DEI (diversity, equality & inclusion) initiatives and gay/lesbian marriage. Please keep in mind, not every liberal is “granola” or a lesbian with funky hair. Believe it or not, we have liberals who are wealthy, well educated and very Pollyanna-ish.
All of these differing beliefs trickle down in the workplace, organizations, the military, churches and even friendships. In a post McCarthy-Era and following the Vietnam War opposition, Americans were soured from negative voices. It became a practice among the Greatest Generation, followed by the Silent Generation to not talk religion or politics. The Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation raised the Baby Boomers. It didn’t matter whether you were blue-collar or white-collar, politics or religion was best – kept to yourself. As Baby Boomer children became adults and technology exploded, they wanted a voice. And, they had one! Just two clicks and hundreds of people can listen to your views or see your beautiful family. Did you know that the Department of Defense actually created the internet we know of today? The DOD created a special project in the late 1960s that evolved into what we know as the internet today. The World Wide Web came into being in 1989. Facebook in 2004. You can take it from here.
Organizations, the military, and workplaces began social media policies for their employees, crew and staff. But, where do you draw the line? First Amendment rights for individuals? Are we back to what the Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation tried to tell us?