by Greg Allen

Freedom of speech can be an invigorating thing. Being able to speak one's mind can be liberating, but in certain countries of the world what you say will go against you and you may be hauled off and never seen again. The United States Constitution gives us the right to speak our mind, express ourselves, and as the founding fathers put it it's a certain right given by the Creator.
   
"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."
   
However, in recent years there's been a movement set adrift in the current of society that directly contradicts Amendment I of the Constitution.
   
That societal sway isn't fortuitous, accidental, or by chance; the movement is called "Political Correctness" and many would like to think it's harmless, but it isn't.
   
Political Correctness is a liberal, "Progressive" as they like to call it, tool used to silence opposition and inflict control. It's happening throughout society today at an alarming rate.
   
Although Congress may not pass a law to abridge our freedoms that doesn't stop other individuals, municipalities, judges, organizations or educational institutions littered across America from egregiously implementing such retardants to free speech and liberty.
   
You don't have to sift very deep through today's headlines to see examples of Political Correctness run amok anymore. The underlying tone of reason to justify Political Correctness for those enforcing it is its intent is meant for the better good of all in society.
   
"It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions… There are men, of all ages… Who mean to govern well; but they mean to govern. They promise to be kind masters; but they mean to be masters… They think there need be but little restraint upon themselves… The love of power may sink too deep in their own hearts…" (Daniel Webster)
   
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have need of masters." (Benjamin Franklin)
   
The inflexible iron fist of control was defined as Tyranny by the founding fathers, but by today's standards Political Correctness could very well be housed in those stables of perception as well.
   
"We in America do not have government by the majority - we have government by the majority who participate… All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent." (Thomas Jefferson)
   
"I know of no safe depositor of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion [freedom of choice], the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.  This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power." (Thomas Jefferson)
   
It's time for "Anti-Political Correctness" legislation to be introduced. That may seem silly or radical to some, the stupidest suggestion this columnist ever wrote, but is it?
   
Call or write your Congressmen and Senators to craft and introduce an "Anti-political correctness" legislative bill to protect our liberties. I know I will. I'd even be willing to help them craft the words if they so asked for my assistance.
   
It could be structured in a manner that a simple offense, proven to be unintentional, could be a simple misdemeanor. However, if it's proven to be an intentional subversion of our liberties, freedom of speech, right to bear arms, or religious freedom, it should be viewed as a felony if our Constitution is valued and not subverted or manipulated to silence those others oppose.
   
I can't see why both parties wouldn't be open to such an issue, but those who oppose such legislation would actually be laying claim to their belief of intolerance.
   
"The good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves." (Thomas Jefferson)

Greg Allen's column, Thinkin' Out Loud, is published bi-monthly. He's an author, nationally syndicated columnist and the founder of Builder of the Spirit in Jamestown, Indiana, a non-profit organization aiding the poor. He can be reached at 765-676-5014 or www.builderofthespirit.org.

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