To the Editor:
The Constitution is an important document. It is a guideline for our government and a protector of the people’s rights. The Constitution was founded on the thoughts of many great European thinkers, such as Locke and Montesquieu. It was the product of the enlightenment and a step forward for humanity.
Today’s government violates this great document. The National Defense Authorization Act is an act that was passed by Congress on Dec. 31, 2011 that tosses aside the right to trial by jury. Through this act, the president could arrest anyone he considers to be a “terrorist,” deny them a trial, and give either a sentence in prison or an execution. In the beginning of March, the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act was passed. This act allows Secret Service agents to arrest demonstrators involved in a protest near the president, vice president, or those who are under the protection of the Secret Service. This is clearly infringing upon our right to freedom of speech. And the government excuses their actions by saying this is all done for “national security” or to fight “terrorists.”
These two acts, which have been passed in the past few months, are clearly violations of the First Amendment of the Constitution. This First Amendment guarantees us our basic rights. Rights that we sometimes take for granted. The question is; how long will we wait until we decide to put a stop to this? Are we going to idly stand by as the government violates the Constitution? Who will answer these questions? The government or us?
KATHERINE GIVENS
Court House
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