Hate, Violence and the First Amendment

Hating anyone because of a group they belong to is fundamentally wrong and inconsistent with our American values. We saw it on display yesterday in Charlottesville. Unfortunately, many on the Left believe that hate is perfectly acceptable as long as it’s not based on ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Many hate conservatives, Christians, people living in rural areas or those without college degrees. Hillary Clinton said a quarter of the electorate was deplorable and irredeemable. Hating ANY group is wrong.

We must remember that no matter how much we detest someone’s views, they still have First Amendment rights. They have the right to gather and express those views as do those who oppose them.

However, nobody has the right to engage in violence. Those that do should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We all should denounce anyone participating in such acts whether or not we agree with them politically.
​
It shouldn’t be necessary to speak out against hate and violence and for our First Amendment freedoms. Sadly, too many Americans believe otherwise.
​