Page 210 - Beers With Our Founding Fathers

Beers with our Founding Fathers

and Press. The right to peaceful assembly underscores the power of

the collective. The first note is peaceful – non-violent, uninstrusive
and without encroachment on others. Like the other rights,

responsibility comes with peaceful assembly. Assembly – not a riot
or otherwise threatening gathering. The ability to gather and voice

support or grievances as a collective is fundamental, and historically
has been denied in unfree countries and colonies. The right of

assembly applies to speech, religion and press. It was common
practice to deny – punishable by arrest – individuals to gather and

practice religion. Recalling that religion was often persecuted if not
consistent with the ruling class. If people cannot assemble, they

have no collective voice or strength; they are enslaved.
We have seen passive assemblies, from historically modern civil

rights marches to political party conventions. Imagine being unable
to gather to support your political party, or have debates concerning

your government. Restraint of assembly is, again, a fundamental
method of handcuffing the people and contributes to keeping them

illiterate of government activities. More robust assemblies, such as
reaction to an event that stirs emotions, are also common. Violent

assemblies are less common, and often arise from the former and
when groups of opposing views clash. Assembly applies to your

home, business, and public property – insomuch that there is no
potential or perceptual harm to others or property.

Freedom to Petition the Government

The Freedom to Petition the Government is the result of the
inclusive components of the First Amendment; collectively they are
freedoms of expression. To be able to freely express your grievances

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