Land Of the Free? Amendment 1: Freedom of religion, speech, and the press; rights of assembly and petition 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. Freedom of speech is the right to speak out publicly or privately. The term covers all forms of expression, including books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, motion pictures, and electronic documents on computer networks. Many scholars consider freedom of speech a natural right.In a democracy, freedom of speech is a necessity. Democratic constitutions guarantee people the right to express their opinions freely because democracy is government of, by, and for the people. The people need information to help them determine the best political and social policies. Democratic governments need to know what most people believe and want. The governments also need to know the opinions of various minorities. Most nondemocratic nations deny freedom of speech to their people. The governments of these countries operate under the theory that the ruler or governing party "knows best" what is good for the people. Such governments believe that freedom of speech would interfere with the conduct of public affairs and would create disorder Excerpts from the World Book. Makes you think dosent it. I believe it is our right to express our selves. May it be a historical rememberence, Opinion, etc.. We have the right. Its really not about what side your ancestors were on in the civil war. Its about honoring history and with out it what map do we have? You cant blot out what some believe is an Insult and pretend it didnt happen. That just isnt reality. We need to remember, our decendents need to remember, for what ever personal reason some may have. A line has to be planted, else other rights may be at risk. Rebecca K.C.MO.