TeaPublicans Vs. The First Amendment

During the public discussion that resulted in the Constitution replacing the failed Articles of Confederation, there arose two contradictory views of the role of that Constitution. Simply put, the question was "Should the document detail what the federal government can do or detail what it can't. The body of the Constitution conforms to the first principle: it delineates what the powers of government are. The first ten Amendments (aka The Bill of Rights) conforms to the second principle by detailing the limits on government power.

The first of those amendments reads:

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.

Last week, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) banned citizens from recording his remarks at a constituent meeting. Now, mind you, local media were allowed to record his remarks while actual constituents were not allowed. This type of action exemplifies the arrogance and ignorance that seems to typify our new TeaPublican Party. These are the same folks who whine about being "silenced and intimidated" by the so called "Librul" media when they are being promoted by the 24/7 right-wing propaganda outlet know as Faux News, where contrary opinions are routinely silenced when not being ridiculed. Or, as in the case of Chabot, having a local talk radio host keeping the "Libruls" in their place.

Why are religion, press, speech and the right to assemble peacefully all in the same amendment? Because they all have something to do with the an individual's right to free expression in the face of government power. An example of First Amendment in action might be recording the words of a Congressperson spoken at a public meeting on public property. So, while it may be a bit of stretch, Chabot, patriotic American that he claims to be, does not feel obligated recognize the "marketplace of ideas" that the First Amendment defines. Our Faux News Teapublicans deny the spirit (if not the letter) of the First Amendment with impunity. Lenin, Trotsky, and Goebbels would feel right at home with the Chabots of this world: Free speech for me but not for thee.