In response to the devastation in Gaza, people throughout the world have been protesting. Their demands range from calling for a ceasefire to death to America. One student who was to give the valedictorian speech at the University of S. California was canceled for what the school calls “anti-Zionism.” Pro-Israel protests have been, generally, more subdued, and students all over the country have been living in fear of reprisals based on their religion. There are many issues connected with Israel’s response to Hamas’s terrorist attack, but this is not about that. This is about the right given to us by the Constitution to have free speech and peaceful protest.
On January 6th, 2021, protestors gathered in Washington D.C. to express their opinion that the election had been stolen. Countless court cases and investigations show that this is a lie that continues to be perpetrated, but this, also, is not what this thought is about. Thousands of people gathered for that rally; most of them left. Those who went to the Capitol Building and attacked our country are terrorists and, if found guilty, should go to jail. Those who protested peacefully and left should not. The protests around concern for Israel and the Palestinians are appropriate; that is, as long as they are peaceful. Protestors who turn to violence are criminals. To me, the distinction is just that simple. Freedom of speech is for every American. Freedom to commit violence when you don’t get your way is not.
Even hate speech is protected. Even flag burning – which I really dislike – is protected. Even profanity. Even kneeling during the National Anthem – protected. Christians can tell people they are going to hell if they don’t believe in Jesus – even that idiotic rhetoric is protected. I don’t have to like it, and neither do you, but this isn’t about what we like or don’t like. This is about the 1st Amendment. The Founders were extremely careful in crafting our nation’s understanding of basic rights. The Constitution wasn’t perfect, and they knew it, but it was both clear and vague enough to allow for freedom and room to grow. This is why we have a process to amend this imperfect yet beautiful document. We seek a “more perfect union.”
I might not like what you have to say, but I will defend your right, in public settings, to say it. You can’t be hateful and bigoted in my home or in my church, but you can stand in the public square and blather until you are blue in the face. Unless you become violent. Then you have crossed the line. There is one other thing – if you claim to be a follower of Jesus, your freedom is tempered by care of others. That is a biblical concept; the Apostle Paul made that point crystal clear. In Galatians 5 he wrote, “For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.” That, however, is between you and God. Protest is protected – violence is not. Period.
Prayer – Teach us to be measured, God, as we try to make the world better. Even when so many people seem to be making the world worse. God, have mercy. Amen.
Today’s art is by Sutatip M., a 16-year-old from Thailand.