Ensuring Freedom Essay - 901 Words

Throughout the course of history, the aspect of freedom in the eyes of American citizens has been surprisingly ambivalent. With the creation of the Declaration and the Constitution early in our country’s lifetime, the element of freedom was undeniably sought. However, looking back at the loosely written intentions of this document, freedom can be assumed unfit for all. The Declaration, promising â€Å"that all men are created equal† (U.S. Declaration Ind.), began as a document causing nothing but civil strife from the voices of ill represented minorities. Beginning with a largely unequal society and moving forward with only slight progress, the American government definitely has strong intentions. However, though these intentions may be†¦show more content†¦The complete disregard of African slaves in a pro-white society clearly indicates how unreliable the American government had been in regards to the most basic freedoms (Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness). In addition to a complete dismissal of racial equality before the thirteenth amendment had been added to the constitution, another area in which Americans have been denied their right to freedom can be seen during the enactment of the Sedition acts in 1798. This bill decrees that any citizen preventing a governing body or person from exercising their duty consisting of â€Å"threatening, counsel, advice, or attempt shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor† (1798 Sedition Act). This act, at the time, effectively suppressed the American freedom of speech— clearly specified in the first amendment. Although not put into effect by the entire American government, a plethora of state governments eliminated basic freedoms declared in the constitution around the 19th century as well. Arkansas’ constitution, written in 1874, is a prime example of a state document eliminating the freedoms of a certain people. They sternly exclaim, â€Å"No person who denies the being of a god shall hold any position in state office† (Arkansas Constitution Article 19). This abrupt discrimination of atheism can be linked to the idea ofShow MoreRelated Ensuring Freedom by Preserving the Values of Trade Unions Essays3412 Words   |  14 PagesEnsuring Freedom by Preserving the Values of Trade Unions Thoughtful committed citizens are the only thing that have ever changed the world. —Margaret Mead Anti-union sentiment is increasingly pervading American culture. In fact, one critic says, â€Å"The United States in now on the verge of a risky experiment: to become the first parliamentary democracy in modern world history without a substantial trade union movement† (Lichtenstein 66). In addition to weakening bargaining power, the judicialRead MoreEssay about The Right of Reigious Freedom1219 Words   |  5 PagesReligious freedom is arguably the oldest and deepest of rights embedded in the modern collection of liberties. Religion has been historically one of the most powerful forces in shaping the morals of humanity. According to the 1993 Project on Religion and Human rights; Religion is defined as: Encompassing a world view or set of beliefs, along with a value system and a way of life embodying and expressing these beliefs. They are not merely a matter of belief or doctrine, but actually constitute anRead MoreAlabama Bus Boycott : A Civil Association For The Advancement Of Colored People1479 Words   |  6 Pagesorganizing what he came to call â€Å"Freedom Rides†, set out to train 12 volunteers along with himself in nonviolent protest to prepare the riders to ride through those stubborn states, in turn desegregating them . While acquiring his degree from Howard University, the college where he decided to co-found and Direct the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) Farmer studied Gandhi, this strongly influencing the activist to approach the protest peacefully . Choosing to model the Freedom Rides after a similar busRead MoreEssay on Book Banning and First Amendment Right1686 Words   |à ‚  7 Pagespeople deem it inappropriate. When someone bans a book they ban it for everyone else too. The First Amendment states that 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 to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (First Amendment Oct. 20, 2013). But the First Amendment does not protect all speech from government censorshipRead MoreCensorship And Its Effect On Society1325 Words   |  6 Pageseverything is available with a click of a button. Nevertheless, this is only happening, thanks to two big names, Assange and Snowden; they not only share the same computing skills, but also the motivation to change the world, bringing society their own freedom of knowledge and awareness. Information does not mean power, although it does give us some powerful arguments, information is an essential resource in societies life, it is the first step for every human move. We are only able to move, talk or participateRead MoreAmerican Indian Religious Freedom Act1690 Words   |  7 Pagesultimate goal is the American Indian Religious Freedom Act that was enacted in 1978. The law made it clear the government efforts of protecting the religious rights of the American Indians not only to express their belief but also to practice this believes through traditional religion. However, this law faced major blows especially on the corridors of justice where the Court viewed the Congress’ action in enacting the American Indian Religious Freedom Act as efforts of the government to establishRead MoreAcademic Freedom1508 Words   |  7 PagesAcademic freedom in Kenya Freedom is a basic to education in modern democracies. Freedom in education can be categorized in the various aspects such as; Freedom of the child, academic freedom and freedom to read. Mc’Garry and Ward, (1966) puts it: A free society and a free world imply a free educational system and a freedom within the framework of maximum control. In such a closed society they maintained, freedom in education may consist of ability to say or do in consequential things. The legalRead More Freedom of Speech and Expression and Responsibility Essay1629 Words   |  7 PagesFreedom of Speech and Responsibility       No matter how fervently someone believes in the justice of his cause, suppression of the free exchange of ideas is failure at best or downright wrong. The power or might behind an idea does not make the idea right. Many powerful people throughout history have been wrong. Few people, if any, would judge Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to be subversive or wrong. In 1939 Ambassador Kennedy was so caught up in the fears of the times that he was willing toRead MoreFree Speech vs Hate Speech Essay1647 Words   |  7 PagesFree Speech vs. Harmful Hate Speech Freedom of speech is instilled at the beginning of the Bill of Rights and it allows citizens of the United States to express their opinions without being afraid of what might happen to them, much like in other countries. Many times people are directly or indirectly harmed by others’ actions that are considered a right under the freedom of speech clause. Though, some people worry that if we do not allow for complete freedom of speech, it is hard to figure out whatRead MoreProtecting The Rights Of Minority Groups1538 Words   |  7 PagesDemocratic societies are often faced with the issue of having to find a balance between the preservation of liberty rights, and protecting human rights and promoting equality. As a liberal society, we must protect the liberty right to freedom of expression; however, being a liberal society also means that there ought to be a responsibility to protect vulnerable minorities from being harmed by hate speech. As a result of competing rights, the s tate often faces the difficult task of determining when