Our First Amendment rights are those which the citizens of the United States are free to exercise and were bravely fought for. But what happens in modern day America when exercising our right of free speech is penalized by the government? One of the qualities our nation's founders prided themselves in was our right to petition the government, as long as while doing so we abide by all laws. Our First Amendment rights are what distinguished the United States from its 18th century European counterparts and is vital to our democratic system.
Walter Murphy, a Princeton professor is known to be an influential constitutional scholar of our day. Among his many accomplishments he is a retired Marine, and has written many books concerning Constitutional democracy and modern politics. On his way to a conference for his latest book, he was stopped at the airport and informed that he was placed on the government's no-fly list for speaking out against the Bush Administration. At the airport he was asked if he'd attended any anti-war protests because many people are banned from flying for that reason. When he attempted to find out more about this list he was denied access to who compiles the no-fly list and what criteria is used to make the list.
It is understandable that in post 9/11 America the government would take extra precautions to ensure the safety of its citizens, but since Walter Murphy expressed his concerns many others have come out and have spoken of their similar experiences. The fact that many of the people on this list happen to be critics of the White House and anti-war advocates has to make us wonder if our freedom of expression is being restricted. The fact that airport officials stated that many people are banned from flying for attending peace marches, arises memories of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany. If anything, "violators" should at least be informed on the basis of their presence on the no-fly list, and the fact that they are not further questions the motives behind it.
As we cannot know for sure, we may just hope that instances such as this do not increase in prevalence. As a nation we must defend our precious rights and stand against forces that limit them.
Walter Murphy, a Princeton professor is known to be an influential constitutional scholar of our day. Among his many accomplishments he is a retired Marine, and has written many books concerning Constitutional democracy and modern politics. On his way to a conference for his latest book, he was stopped at the airport and informed that he was placed on the government's no-fly list for speaking out against the Bush Administration. At the airport he was asked if he'd attended any anti-war protests because many people are banned from flying for that reason. When he attempted to find out more about this list he was denied access to who compiles the no-fly list and what criteria is used to make the list.
It is understandable that in post 9/11 America the government would take extra precautions to ensure the safety of its citizens, but since Walter Murphy expressed his concerns many others have come out and have spoken of their similar experiences. The fact that many of the people on this list happen to be critics of the White House and anti-war advocates has to make us wonder if our freedom of expression is being restricted. The fact that airport officials stated that many people are banned from flying for attending peace marches, arises memories of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany. If anything, "violators" should at least be informed on the basis of their presence on the no-fly list, and the fact that they are not further questions the motives behind it.
As we cannot know for sure, we may just hope that instances such as this do not increase in prevalence. As a nation we must defend our precious rights and stand against forces that limit them.
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