If neither dominant party represents you, consider the Libertarian Party.

Protest / Amendment I

"Congress shall make no law respecting (1) an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; (2) abridging the freedom of speech, (3) or the press, (4) or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, (5) and to petition the Gov't for a redress of grievances."

Since May 2020 "protests" have become common. Those contrary to the spirit of the specific "protest" call them a riot or an insurrection. If an assembly is peaceful and crime–free it is a protest. If there is physical conflict, injury, or property damage it is a riot.

Crimes must yield damages to the injured party. We are a nation of laws, NOT a nation of men.

The classification of insurrection found in Amendment XIV Section 4 is a clear reference to southern combatants in the War Between the States. In § 2 the word rebellion is used, NOT insurrection (check it out). If we are to again engage in a "civil" war the use of the term insurrection would be appropriate … for the general movement. Short of a civil war, using the term insurrection is hyperbole, unnecessarily inflammatory and inaccurate. And we all know, definitions matter.

Does freedom of speech (2) include:

Emotionally charged or hateful words?		Yes, but it shows a lack of character.
Assault or battery?		NO. Assault and battery are crimes.
Arson?		NO. Arson is a crime.
Property damage?		NO. Property damage is a crime.

Does the right to peaceably assemble (4) include:

Emotionally charged or hateful words?		Yes, but it shows a lack of character.
Assault or battery?		NO. Assault and battery are crimes.
Arson?		NO. Arson is a crime.
Property damage?		NO. Property damage is a crime.

Does the right to petition the Gov't for a redress of grievances (5) include:

Emotionally charged or hateful words?		Yes, but it shows a lack of character.
Assault or battery?		NO. Assault and battery are crimes.
Arson?		NO. Arson is a crime.
Property damage?		NO. Property damage is a crime.

Life, Liberty!, Property

Added April '24
Web Author - Mike Kolls