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Macomb, IL – The most fundamental rights granted to U.S. citizens are spelled out in 45 words in the Constitution's Bill of Rights, a guarantee that serves all Americans:
"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."
But most of us may not appreciate the First Amendment's impact on our lives.
Ken Paulson, the former USA Today editor who's president of the First Amendment Center, says, "Most Americans have no idea what the First Amendment says. Surveys indicate that only one American in 25 can name the freedoms of the First Amendment. It's Constitutional illiteracy of the highest order. Its freedoms are truly the cornerstone of democracy and make America the special nation it is."
One mnemonic device to help remember the five guarantees is the acronym GRASP, for Grievance, Religion, Assembly, Speech and Press. Another effort to help us appreciate such liberties has been going on this month: the 1 for All awareness campaign.
Paulson says, "1 for All reminds the public that the First Amendment serves everyone, regardless of faith, race, gender or political leanings. It is one amendment for all. Every time a person expresses a point of view, enjoys the arts, prays or posts a message online, the First Amendment is at work."
The nonpartisan initiative is a collaboration of artists, educators, journalists and other First Amendment advocates who believe that people would benefit from a greater understanding of the First Amendment and the need to protect all voices, views and faiths. Founded by the American Society of News Editors, the McCormick Foundation, and others, it has almost 1,200 supporters, including Google, Parade magazine, the Illinois Press Association, Huffington Post, the New York Times and YouTube.
Understandably, journalism is at the forefront of protecting the First Amendment. Kevin Z. Smith, president of the Society of Professional Journalists, says, "The defense of a free press is a daily battle, even in a country like the United States. There are constant assaults on press rights, but it's always worth the fight; never blink in battle for fear that a right might disappear."
However, different views and voices, different faiths and even fun all are protected, too.
Paulson adds, "The First Amendment gives us freedom of speech, but it also provides freedom to tweet. It protects political speeches, but it also guarantees our right to sing, dance and perform."
In that regard, non-journalists are taking part, too. Besides folks like Paulson and NBC-TV news anchor Brian Williams, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and recording artists LL Cool J and John Mellencamp appear in ads endorsing exercising our First Amendment rights, also backed by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and the Islamic Society of North America.
Ensuring a strong, viable First Amendment goes beyond well-known organizations and celebrities and journalists, of course, and organizers suggest 10 ways regular people can support the First Amendment:
1. Learn what it says.
2. Take a stand. "Sign" the First Amendment and join the 1 for All campaign.
3. Tweet for freedom. Use social media such as Twitter and Facebook to spread the word about its importance.
4. For teachers, incorporate the First Amendment into curriculum.
5. Express yourself. Be engaged in the world around you; let others know how you feel.
6. Stay informed. Free speech is even better when we know what we're talking about.
7. Support your local library. Gain free admission to the marketplace of ideas.
8. Hold public officials accountable. Ask where they stand on the First Amendment and the free flow of information.
9. Stand up for others. We all love our own freedom of speech, but it's important to support the rights of others to express their own opinions.
10. Talk about it. Discuss freedom of faith in your place of worship, explore First Amendment-themed books in your book club, etc.
Use it or lose it.
That's easy to ... GRASP, right?
Bill Knight is a freelance writer who teaches at Western Illinois University