The day after Constitution Day: Remembering what we are all about
Wednesday, Sept. 17, was official federal Constitution Day, where Congress requires teachers (such as myself) to teach about the U.S. Constitution. Well, I taught two classes (public affairs reporting and computer-assisted reporting at the University of Arizona) and I didn't mention a thing about the Constitution in class today, so I must have violated the law by not speaking out about what the government wanted me to talk about. Instead, I talked about free speech, free press and questioning the government. Now it is Sept. 18 and I will continue to teach students about the Constitution, most importantly the 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."
Let us keep vigilant to protect this most sacred compact between the people and their government. The Constitution. The First Amendment. Freedom of speech. Freedom of the press.