Constitution Week in Amarillo Aims to Heal Divisions

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has certainly opened a lot of people's eyes across the country, and here in Texas as well. Political violence has been on the rise over the last eight years or so, and this event has completely shaken the country.

Politics has always been one of those things that has divided the country. Everyone has their opinions, views, and beliefs, and that's ok. It's part of what makes this country the greatest on the planet.

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Freedom of Speech Defined

Now, let me preface this by saying I'm not here to start an argument, and what happened to Mr. Kirk was deplorable, and it's not something that ever should've happened. I strongly denounce what this individual did, and regardless of what side of the political fence you're on, this is beyond unacceptable.

Many have been pointing to the fact that it seems our freedom of speech has been impacted, and that we don't truly have it. Many have been pointing to the definition of free speech, and there are two things people are pointing to, depending on their argument. The definition of freedom of speech is the right to express ideas without government interference.

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What Are The Arguments

Here are the things people are pointing to. Part of the freedom of the First Amendment is that speech concerning political messages, along with public discourse, is highly protected. So anything that a person says regarding that is protected.

Some have pointed to the portion that talks about incitement. Anything that is either intended or likely to provoke illegal action is NOT protected. There are some who have argued that what Kirk was saying was going to provoke someone to commit an illegal act. The problem with this one is interpretation and how you read it. Either way, the act shouldn't have been committed.

Amarillo Looking To Bring Everyone Together

With so much division in the country and state, the Molly Goodnight Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution has decided to try to bring everyone back together.

Tomorrow, September 17, they will be holding a reading of the Preamble of the Constitution at the Potter County District Courts Building, 350 SE 6th Street. The reading will take place at 4 pm, and it kicks off Constitution Week. Everyone is invited to it, and hopefully it's something that can bring us all back together.