I am a writer. I always have been and I always will be. But I’ve never been able to truly say what’s on my mind. Why is that? Don’t I have poetic license? Aren’t writers the true historians of society? What’s holding me back? All of these questions motivated me to research and this is what I’ve found.
According to the First Amendment of the Constitution, “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.” Hmmm…that means that I can say what I want, in truth, without any repercussions from our system of government. Hold on to that while I read from the Declaration of Independence. It states that I have “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These two documents allow me to say my piece, without harm done to me, as long as I don’t intrude on anyone else’s unalienable rights. How objective of our legislature! It seems the other factor is the Court of Public Opinion.
Everyone is online nowadays. And while I am still in the work force, I am subject to be researched regarding my online activities. Upon finding my name in Google, one may be directed to my blog and therefore disagree with some of my views. At one time I was careful about my topic choice and explanations of my views. I’m past that now. I can no longer be true to myself and my craft by stifling my passions.
Many have been criticized, ostracized and ousted for their statements via FaceBook, Twitter and other sites. Is this what our society has become -- some thin-skinned ghostly remnant of what our forefathers conceived? Are we incapable of being open-minded and truly enjoying the opinions of others without causing some loss of income, posture or other unfortunate circumstance? I’d like to think that there are many who agree with me but dare not use their voice. I’m not noble enough to be their proxy. I’m sure there are those who disagree with me and will tell me so in “no uncertain terms.” I’m not humble enough to assuage them.
Many of us make our decisions based on our own set of values and frames of reference, as well we should. But often we forget that everyone doesn’t value the same thing and/or doesn’t have the same references. That being said, if I miss out on a job opportunity or ruffle some church-folk feathers or even miss an invitation or two, I have to stay true to myself.
This is simply a conjecture -- I will use poetic license to tell the truth, as I see it. No holds barred; no excuses. I will use my First Amendment right, while I still can, and I will do my best not to intrude upon anyone else’s life, liberty or their pursuits of happiness.
Until next time…
