What is Free Speech Peer Post
Group Collaboration: Reply to Peers
*Note: Let’s try to identify which peer’s posting you are replying to by using their first name at the beginning of your reply. Replying to one or two peers will satisfy this criteria.
Here is what the aim should be for when replying to your peers:
1. Extending meaningful discussion by elaborating on your peers’ initial posting through adding to or expanding upon the initial thoughts or questions posted.
2. Advancing the discussion by posing new questions to your peers or class.
3. Asking for clarification (in a respectful manner) on confusions you may have about initial postings by the instructor and/or peers.
Your Peer Person: Brittany Ibekwe
a. The district I represented was the suburban district.
b. The constitutional amendment I am voting on is the Flag Desecration Amendment. This amendment states that “The congress shall have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the United States.
c. 1. Senator Emma Fernandez presented the most convincing argument for passing the amendment. She stated that even though Americans come from different backgrounds, religions and cultures we all come together under the American Flag. It’s a symbol that unites us and makes us stand out among other countries. This was the most convincing statement made in favor of the bill because she refers to the flag as a symbol of unity among all Americans and not only for the sole fact that people fought for our country.
2. Matthew Montgomery presented the strongest argument against passing the amendment. He stated that since the Bill of Rights was written nobody has altered a word. If the First Amendment is changed then it would leave room for more changes to me made. This means it would be easier to make changes anytime it seems feasible which isn’t a good thing. I agree with Matthew Montgomery statement
d. I ended up voting against the bill. I believe the Congress should not have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag as it goes against the first amendment. The flag is just a symbol though symbolic to the United States of America, everyone should have a choice whether to respect the flag. The flag is symbolic to some but not to others. I believe that everyone should have the right to freely do whatever they want with the flag. Even if it means to put it in front of their house or burn it, it’s their choice.
e. I feel that it is more important to protect community rights and wishes of the majority over ensuring the rights and freedom of an individual. My vote did not contradict my thoughts stated. I believe that the first amendment shouldn’t be compromised because a small number of people are not happy with the physical desecration of the flag. The community rights which to be allowed the freedom of speech is far more important than people’s personal views. I don’t think that every time someone does not agree with a law it should be changed because of an individual. In this country we run a democracy and I believe the nation matters more than a belief of a single individual.
f. I do find that a vote for this amendment is more conservative than liberal. Conservatives tend to think more about themselves instead of our country. The flag represents a symbol of our nation as they would say and shouldn’t be burned or spit on. I think that’s more of an individual perspective rather than the perspective of our society.
