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08/23/2003 Archived Entry: "AS A U.S. Citizen, I HAVE RIGHTS...don't ya know?"
AS A U.S. CITIZEN, I HAVE RIGHTS...don't ya know?
Demanding removal of information from my blog that is true and correct is a violation of the first amendment to the United States constitution.
I receive nice, interesting letters all the time about my blog entries...people add comments, suggest other avenues to explore, share stories similar to mine. Occasionally I play the devil's advocate to get people thinking. Sometimes they think I'm dead wrong about something I've said and let me know, in a kind and understanding way...but they definitely make their points. I like that. What I write is occasionally misunderstood, and I appreciate an opportunity to further explain my thoughts on the subject. This is a blog, after all, and new to a lot of people. There isn't a lot of room to explain much about anything so material becomes abbreviated.
If someone decides to call me, ranting and raving, and insisting that I change something on my blog, they need to remember that I am a citizen of the United States of America and my constitution guarantees me the right to not only speak my mind but to repeat facts and known rumors. My opinion is protected and I don't fall under the same standards of a newspaper. And there is that matter of someone "becoming a public figure," which protects me even more.
I am more than happy to correct mistakes or present a different viewpoint as I see fit and have often done exactly that. This is MY forum for speaking to the world at large, but I am not expounding a particularly partisan view and I like conversation. Anyone can get their own blog. There are free blog programs available at several sites...just google it.
My right to free speech takes priority over the desires of anyone to silence me because they don't agree with what I say.
I am not a contentious person and my regular readers know that. Most of my entries are light and humorous...and informative about what is going on in our backyard. I stick my tongue in my cheek and proceed. Blogs are frequently directed at me and my family and what we do. When good deeds are done, I try my best to compliment these people. I like to promote good causes and Ellsworth. My intention is clearly stated on my blog: "Backyard adventures, community commentary and essays. No deep philosophy, no pandering to partisan views, just plain talk. Also, I mowed Kansas, just so you know." Aside from the mowing part (which is a joke of sorts), this statement is true.
I have in the past removed articles I've written on the presumption that sometimes it is not necessary to be 'right' about something. I was always right when I was about 12, but by the time I got to be about 27 I gave that up. It's a burden to be right all the time and learning ceases... not a good thing...and I can't imagine anyone aspiring to that.
Hurting someone's feelings is not libel; however, I am not a person who would deliberately hurt someone's feelings. I am amenable to the notion that words can harm people; however, a short look at libel law on the internet might be in order. I would never do that intentionally. Please, if you're concerned, take a look at these:
I have had only one disturbing call about my blogging in the 14 months it has been running, and that was this morning. Please, do not call me on the phone and proceed to yell and scream, rant and rave at me and deny me the opportunity to respond. I find that particularly offensive especially when you admit what I said in my blog was correct but then demand that it be removed. I could have hung up on the caller, but I didn't. I heard him out. If you want to have a rational discussion about one of my blogs, I'd appreciate having the opportunity to engage in that discourse.
But threats will not be honored.