What defines America?
The Bill of Rights entitles all Americans to certain essential rights, including freedom of speech.
This is the first of 10 amendments that restrict government power.
These rights are declared in the U.S. Constitution. And thus, all citizens can criticize political leaders and ruling parties without fear of persecution, jail, or even death.
The same cannot be said in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Burma.
In New Jersey, citizens speak their minds.
This is also true of the writers who submit their opinions in letters to the editor. These individuals choose to share their viewpoints with society at large and do so with us by going on the record.
In July, the Herald received complaints for publishing letters highlighting controversial opinions about immigration.
For those who question why we published these letters, including letters written by authors who sparked controversial debate, the answer is found within the First Amendment.
”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 peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
And so reads part one of our Bill of Rights as Americans. The Herald welcomes a wide range of ideas, including criticism of political parties, which we will continue to publish on the opinion page of this newspaper. We do this in honor of the First Amendment and to enable a lively but civil discourse among our readers. We will not publish opinions we believe to be malicious towards individuals or libelous.
And while we disagree with the opinions of many individuals whose letters we publish, we nevertheless allow them to address social and controversial issues in an open, public forum.
This is the essence of a free society. This is key to any democracy.
People have the right to disagree. The ability for Americans to debate tough issues sets us apart from tyrannical nations in which personal freedoms are regulated or, in some cases, not even applicable.
Pubic discourse ultimately, we believe, prevents violence.
People have the right to their opinions about political parties and hot topics. This is America and it’s part of the fabric of democracy that makes us who we are — fearless, brave, and yes, stubborn.
Honor the First Amendment. Debate encourages discovery, and that is a beautiful part of life.
