Freedom of Speech / Freedom of Assembly
I love seeing the majesty of bald eagles soaring overhead. I took this photo in April, 2021 — it moves me to remember and to treasure what we once had in our country: freedom.
The current person in charge of our country has spent the years since 2016 degrading and name-calling anyone he doesn’t like: reporters, Democrats, politicians, immigrants, judges, military, climate activists, women, etc. He had the freedom of speech clause of the US Constitution to give him the right to do so. [See New York Times, NBC News, PBS, RSF, NPR, 10News, Facebook Feminist News, BBC, Politico,]
Now, he continues his diatribes yet thinks the First Amendment only applies to him — that anyone who speaks against him or his policies has no right to do so. It’s laughable– he’s a tyrant denying the rights of everyone but himself. In America. The Land of the Free. [Leavitt] [The Atlantic]
As Timothy Snyder reminds us so we may fight a king, a tyrant, a dictator: “Do not comply in advance.“
What do you do when freedom of speech is threatened?
You can bow your head and stop speaking, giving away your freedom– and forever changing the norms of our nation.
Or you can speak up, speak together, and remember the founding principles of our nation. Speaking and assembling is nonviolent.
Poetry
So today’s poem is about that– about speaking up, together. It’s an “instruction poem,” as Ethical ELA describes and Yoko Ono writes. I hope it inspires you to speak up. It does not condone violence.
- Dedicated to non-violence
- A core principle is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
- Do not associate with those who claim to act violently on our behalf.
- Committed to upholding democracy and the U.S. Constitution
Inspiration
“It is your right to speak. It is your responsibility to speak. And the cost of not speaking is a country none of us recognize…You are being asked to surrender your voice for the comfort of a man who will not extend you the same courtesy in return.”
Adam Kinzinger
Voices: E Pluribus Unum
Think of
opening the door,
walking any direction,
your choice is your freedomSpeak aloud
to the clouds
flowing with the wind,
set your words freeSee them
as eagles
soaring strong,
sentinal for libertyStep forward
follow your words
truth in the world,
a beat from your heartFeel the beat
the harmony with others
the songs of freedom,
out of many, oneWalk the songs
Sheri Edwards
sing fully together
so no tyrant may put asunder,
let freedom sing
National Poetry Month
Instruction Poem
4/28/26
I wonder, if I draw a line... 