Civil Liberties Class - Entry 1
The next few entries are from a class I taught in 2003. We used another blogging tool, and I want to close down that site, so I am moving these comments to this blog.
7.7.2003
First Journal
For my first journal I am thinking about the 4th of July. I am not particularly patriotic, especially not in the times of Bush. I am, however, extremely impressed by the wisdom of the framers of the Constitution and the wise citizens who amended the Constitution by creating the Bill of Rights. I am also proud of a legal system that usually functions in a way that meets the interest of the majority while remembering the importance of minority interests.
The Las Cruces newspaper has a "Sound Off" section in which readers can call the paper, say anything they damn well please, and the paper may print it. Some have argued that this is a form of free speech. I am not sure that I agree, since these things are selected by the editors. At times, the conservative bias of the paper has been obvious.
In a "Sound Off" on July 5, a caller was complaining that the paper did not have a picture of the flag on the front page of the July 4 edition. Is this an example of free speech being exercised in an attempt to alter the newspaper's right to free speech? The press is often censored and we wonder how the press has become so reluctant to voice alternate views. Perhaps this simple message from an irate "Sound Off" caller provides an example of subtle citizen-based censorship?
But back to the Constitution - an incredible document that has guided this country for over 200 years.. This is a remarkable accomplishment. Some say that the Constitution is currently under attack. Do you agree? I asked the class to reflect on our rights over the July 4 weekend. I hope your journals will provide some insight into your thoughts.
I believe that our rights are, in fact, under attack. The document and process that I hold in deep regard are being threatened by single-minded ideologues. I fear that Bush and Ashcroft are frighteningly careless with the rights that have made America what it has become. These are dangerous men and we are living in dangerous times.
Can I, as a University professor, say these things out loud? Can I say them in this forum which puts our words on the internet for all to see? Shouldn't you, me, and all citizens be free to speak our minds about our government and our country? Isn't this the patriotic thing to do? Of course, the fact that I even ask these questions provides evidence of the problem.
I know you, the students in this class, are not interested in my rantings. As such, I will keep them to myself. Does this make you more comfortable? Is comfortable a good thing? Enough already! That is just another rant!
Our readings this week include a historical look at the Constitution and Civil Liberties. I hope you review this information, even though it may seem like a repeat of high school civics (I don't think they call it "civics" anymore but you get the point). I also encourage you to look at the cases. These can provide "food for thought" as you write your journals.
Finally, remember to read each other's journals. I believe we experience true learning when we question our views, make an honest effort to understand other views, and study the material in a way that enables us to "own it" by applying new knowledge to real life situations. I hope these journals provide an opportunity to demonstrate learning - both the process and result.
I look forward to reading your journals. You will need to review my journals as well since my journal will be a place for general comments about the journals and the process that we, as a class, are going through over the course of this session.
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