America's 250th Birthday: The First Amendment Still Under Threat
The article examines historical and modern challenges to the First Amendment in the US, especially under the Trump administration, and urges protection of free speech.
Historical Challenges
The United States recently celebrated 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. However, the nation's founding ideals, particularly the First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition, have been constantly under threat. President John Adams enacted the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, restricting press freedom and expanding presidential power. During World War I, the Supreme Court also targeted free expression, as in the case of a socialist convicted for distributing anti-draft pamphlets—source of the misquoted "can't shout 'fire' in a crowded theater."
Modern Threats
Today, police often misunderstand the Constitution, leading to incidents involving 'First Amendment auditors' who document rights violations. The Trump administration has worsened this by sending poorly trained federal agents who see constitutionally protected activity as a threat, resulting in deaths, assaults on reporters, and ordinary people facing legal burdens. The Federal Communications Commission, which should not regulate speech, has become a model of incompetence, while the Trump regime has pressured broadcast networks to comply. The president threatened to jail Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who later appeared at a White House event. Trump also threatened to "blow up the entire internet" to force platforms to censor content in his favor.
The 'Free Speech Culture' Paradox
Many who loudly cry about free speech culture actually support government censorship, such as book bans. Expert Ken White notes that this culture has emboldened the Trump administration to engage in real censorship. The First Amendment only restricts the government, not private companies—social media moderation is not censorship but private decision-making.
What Can Be Done?
The author urges voting, contacting congressional representatives, participating in local elections, and supporting independent media.
This article is based on an opinion piece published by The Verge.
