Friends and neighbors, The United States Constitution spells out Americans’ fundamental rights in relation to their government. While this document may have been written nearly 235 years ago, it still stands as a unique, exceptional beacon of freedom and is used every day in our lives. This week, I will begin a series of weekly emails commenting on each of the 10 amendments that make up our Bill of Rights. Reading the newspaper, gathering peacefully to support or oppose legislation, and attending religious services are all fundamental activities, along with countless others, that are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment reads: 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. There are six clauses: establishment, free exercise, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, peaceably assemble and redress of grievances. Religious Clauses: The first clause of the First Amendment is known as the Establishment Clause. The second clause is known as the Free Exercise Clause. Our Founding […]

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