AMERICA VS. ITS ELITES

5 tests of your freedoms (The USA WEEKEND -- First Amendment Center Poll)

The USA, the first nation to be founded on principles of liberty and justice, is fueled by freedom, particularly the rights guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution. But how well do we understand these basic rights? To find out, USA WEEKEND Magazine and the First Amendment Center commissioned a scientific online poll consisting of a series of hypothetical scenarios. Each was designed to challenge one of the five freedoms set out in the First Amendment: freedom of speech, press and religion, and the right to assemble and to petition government for constructive change.

The poll results clearly show some serious confusion among Americans about their First Amendment protections and how they apply to a diverse and sometimes divided society. [...]

1 A high school student wears a T-shirt to public school with the words "International Criminal" framing President Bush's picture on the front. The principal tells the student to put on a different shirt, turn the shirt inside out or go home. If those requests are refused, the student will face immediate suspension.

Does the principal have the right to ban the T-shirt?

America says:

Yes 62%

No 38%


The expert says: The majority has it wrong.

2 A town strapped for funds enters an agreement with the community's largest church by which the church will operate the town's failing convention center. The church agrees to raise the money itself to run the center and promises it will not discriminate against any religious, political, racial or other groups that might want to rent it for a fee.

Do you think such an arrangement is allowed under the First Amendment?

America says:

Yes 70%

No 30%


The expert says: The answer is no.

Note the assumption that "the majority" is wrong and that courts are right. So much for a belief in the capacity of the people to apprehend their own Constitution, which must instead be dictated to them by the authorities. Posted by Orrin Judd at July 5, 2003 7:45 AM