Courtesy counts…but not really

A white student on our campus should never express views in class that could be considered racist; it’s uncalled for at an HBCU or any other school.
Students should only be allowed to hold demonstrations in front of the union for the purpose of maintaining order on campus.
Administration should not let the DIGEST print some things because it is poor representation of the campus as a whole.
All logical arguments. They all mean well and are aimed towards creating and maintaining a better society for one and all. These arguments also pose a threat on our freedom…on life as we know it.
The above statements contest three of the five freedoms allotted to us by the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution: freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the freedom of press. For those wondering, the other two freedoms are the freedom of religion and the freedom to petition.
These freedoms seem simple, and are easily taken for granted, but they are what make our nation the “home of the free.” 
The problem is that we don’t support these freedoms enough. It’s one of those things like your mama’ll always say: “You don’t miss a good thing ‘til it’s gone…” Or maybe that’s just my mom. Anyway, trust me, you don’t want to see these freedoms go.
The Annual State of the First Amendment survey, sponsored by the First Amendment Center, is a study people’s feelings toward free expression.
Although results seem to improve as years go by, liberalism expands, and information is more accessible, some findings are still disturbing to me.
For example, in the 2001 survey, 59 percent of those surveyed were most familiar with freedom of speech. But when asked if people should be allowed to say offensive things to racial groups, religious groups, or in their music, the majority felt this was a no-no.
Wake up people. Just because something is offensive doesn’t mean there should be a law against it I’m sorry, but courtesy is not in the Constitution; it’s something your mama teaches you, and it has no place in the legislature.
While the majority of people feel the media has a right cover to the extent that it does, the same majority feels it is important for the government to keep the media in check. Quite contradicting, isn’t it?
Access to this survey can be found at www.freedomforum.org.
On a more localized level, some people on this campus feel the administration should do something about the DIGEST. We get this the most about crime stories, stories about Greek organizations being placed on probation, and editorials written by our staff.
As far as the crime story goes, it is our right—and yours, too—to know and publish the names of individuals involved. And we don’t need administration’s permission. Being that this is a family on a small campus, we haven’t, but that too can change if the next editor feels it is necessary.
And the editorials, well, they’re strictly that individual’s views. As a matter of fact, sometimes our writers argue each other in the paper. And you, too, have the right to comment or send a letter in to us. The DIGEST is your voice; it is your First Amendment right…use it.
The First Amendment lets you play that CD with the explicit lyrics where ever you what, whenever you want (except for in your mama’s house, of course).
The First Amendment supported us when we protested the burning Napalm at Rhodia chemical plant in 1998.  The First Amendment held Dr. Sudhir Trivedi’s hand as he camped outside the administration building in protest in 1999.
The First Amendment was there when the National Enquirer and the Washington Post exposed the Watergate scandal in 1974 and—even more recently—it was there when former Gov. Edwin Edwards’ hustles were brought to light.
You can be Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish…a devil worshipper (I wouldn’t recommend it), all because of the First Amendment.
The First Amendment lets you wear that “You Suck” or that black power T-shirt. And for you little filthy-minded critters, the First Amendment let’s you peep porn pages on the Internet at your leisure.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…learn it; live it.