In defense of her choice to not celebrate the founding of our nation, Ms. Burns Slater does a thorough job of detailing what she sees as the major problems facing this country (“No longer united,” July 7). She makes many accurate points. We still have a lot of work to do trying to ensure that all citizens have an equal shot at the American dream. But I don’t think any of that diminishes the generally good intentions of the founders … viewed from the context of their time. It is that founding that we celebrate. The words are “more perfect union.” Not perfect union. Not the perfect union. The word more was carefully chosen. They were trying to make something better than what they had.
However, what actually prompts my reply is the author’s view of the First Amendment where early in the essay she complains, “This country allows politicians, the media, corporations and individuals to present non-truths under the guise of the First Amendment.” And concludes that, “Adopted in 1792, this amendment does not give permission for untruths or distortions of the truth.” She is right. The amendment neither allows nor forbids this, probably because the authors were wise enough to understand that proving the difference between a lie and a genuinely proffered belief in a “truth” that is untrue …. well, you get the idea. Man cannot fly, Russia hoax, COVID-19 treatments, etc.
Is the author suggesting that there should be some law or other vehicle to prevent the spread of untruths? Seems to me that if you are going to go after the First Amendment, you might offer some specific positive steps forward as to how to fix it. Ms. Burns Slater is an eloquent writer and obviously a thoughtful person. I would really love to read her ideas on how this First Amendment problem might be addressed. Who will be the wise and unbiased truth police?
Frank Johnson
Paso Robles
This article appears in Jul 14-24, 2022.
When discussing what the First Amendment does or does not allow, think of demonic figures like Tucker Carlson, who regularly spreads the worst lies to a vast audience or the psychopathic Alex Jones whose lies & conspiracy mongering led to death threats being issued to survivors of school massacres & bereaved mothers of slain children. The U.S. founders were thinking of freedom to express political opinions without fear of being silenced by an oppressive ruler. These founders could not have imagined how the First Amendment would be twisted into advocating unbridled license to promote & practice absolutely anything at the expense of innocent citizens.
WeThe People were and are assumed to be able to recognize and ignore lies.
The 1st gives us the freedom to speak freely without gov’t stopping us.
It also give us the freedom to speak out/up against lies including those made by gov’t.
We The People have many way to counter what others say, including writing Letter to the Editor.
So, don’t listen to lies, expose lies in every way you can and be grateful the gov’t does not silence you along with those liers.
If you can afford it, support your local press . . .