An earlier post on the bill extending protection from those who want to protest near reproductive health clinics raises the question of the extent, limits and consequences of the First Amendment.

It seems to me that any "freedom of" something necessarily includes a "freedom from" the same thing. For example, I can print anything I want, but you don't have to read it. My "freedom of the press" includes your "freedom from the press;" otherwise that "freedom" is a chimera.

When it comes to reproductive health clinics, the freedom people have to protest some of the services they provide must end when it interferes with the freedom those who would avail themselves of the services have to get to the clinics. Unfortunately, all too often the protesters impinge on the freedom of women to go to the clinics, which is why this bill was not only good, but necessary.  read more »

Democracy, not Theocracy...that is the theme of a national simulcast featuring celebrities and regular citizens who have stood up for separation of church and state.

This comes from the First Freedom First coalition:

Celebrities, Religious Liberty Heroes Headline National Simulcast For Church-State Separation

Don't miss your chance to be part of the action in New York City!

Actors, musicians and comedians will join church-state community members in 25 theaters across the country on Wednesday evening, March 26, 2008 to put church-state separation on the national agenda during the 2008 election season.

Wednesday, March 26

Union Square Stadium 14
850 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
6:00 PM

Click here to reserve your seat today!

Join others at this gathering to learn about the threats to church-state separation and to demand that candidates for elected office answer questions about key issues dealing with individual freedom. Ten questions to ask candidates that have a direct impact on Americans’ lives will be featured.  read more »