Over the last few weeks I have seen several instances where the First Amendment has been called into question. It seems people are forgetting why we have the First Amendment and what it entails.

The most horrifying story of late comes from Yahoo. Recently, it was discovered Yahoo helped Chinese police uncover two Chinese journalists. Upon discovery, the two pro-democracy journalists were put in jail for a minimum of ten years. Yahoo has refused to accept any responsibility for the ramifications of aiding the Chinese government but was willing to settle out of court with the journalist’s families.

In addition to this, Microsoft recently shut down a blogger at the request of Beijing. Also, all major search engines censor and restrict searches within China.

China’s constitution, like ours, guarantees freedom of speech. American companies aiding in the denial of that right to the Chinese people is unacceptable.

It doesn’t matter how offensive something is, or whether or not you agree with it, people have the right to say what they want. If you find offense with something, let it be known — take advantage of the freedom of speech and say whatever you want. However, it’s not okay to call for the removal of anything you disagree with.

One of the foundational victories for the freedom of speech came 50 years ago when a San Francisco municipal judge ruled that Allen Ginsberg’s beat poem “Howl” was not obscene and should not be censored. Ginsberg’s poem was full of references of drug use, graphic imagery and what was, at the time, deemed to be sexual deviant behavior. The judge ruled the poem was not obscene because Ginsberg’s poem was pertinent to the social issues of the time. Because of the First Amendment Ginsberg had the right to write or say anything he pleased.

Ironically, on the exact 50th anniversary of this ruling a New York public radio station decided to not read the poem on air because of their fear that the FCC would fine them. The meaning: what was deemed to be pertinent and real 50 years ago, and thus acceptable, will now bring heavy fining if not termination from the FCC’s rule over all broadcast.

I still stand by my support for the Colorado State editor that ran an editorial simply containing the phrase “Taser this: F*** BUSH”. I’ll admit that it could have been done more articulately but I think that he made his point. A student was tasered when trying to exercise his freedom of speech. The CSU editor made the point that despite your efforts, we will exercise our freedom of speech.

Remember when you call for another group or opinion to be silenced that you could be the one being silenced tomorrow.

What do you think about the fight for the First Amendment? E-mail [email protected] and give us your view.