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Amendment 1:
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.
On the day the President is sworn into office, the president-elect says these words:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The President's rant a week ago urged National Football League team owners to fire players who kneel during the National Anthem. It got traction from his core supporters, and rapid reaction from NFL owners supporting the players and their right to express their opinion. Players and scores of other political figures and commentators weighed in with their thoughts.
Employers who might be embarrassed or who disagree with an employee's political opinion can draw the line between a political opinion and a paycheck.
I found the Presidential tweet to be more than a little ironic and disappointing.
He indicated there should be no view opposing his and those who offer a disagreeing viewpoint should be discounted. In the Presidential Oath he swears to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
I believe from my understanding of U.S. History is that people of Europe, starting with the pilgrims, came here to escape oppression. The Founding Fathers fought for and wanted to guarantee the right for each of us to express opposing points of view; to practice (or not practice) religion; and seek change by working together to change government policy.
I do not need to agree with your opinion to agree you have the right to share and demonstrate to share your view peacefully.
What could be more American than that?
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