The Revealer
on the connection between the American reverence for freedom of speech and the F word. (warning, liberal use of the F word).
How is it that the first amendment is so misread?
U.S. Constitution - Bill of Rights
Amendment I
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.
I think Thomas Jefferson actually coined the phrase "seperation of church and state". I'm not sure, but I think it was in a letter he sent to someone. It goes way back.
it's not the first amendment you're quibbling with. What you want are the "decency" laws.
Actually, I am not quibbling with the first amendment at all. What I get annoyed at are those who misread it into a mythical 'wall of separation' between church and state, those who do not recognize the right of assembly, those who think that the right to free speech and a free press includes actions equivalent to (falsely) shouting fire in a crowded theatre.
Preamble of the Texas state constitution (as we know, no state constitution can conflict with the federal constitution):
"Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the people of the State of Texas, do ordain and establish this Constitution."