by Jonathan David Morris
Seventeen percent of Americans think the First Amendment guarantees them the right to drive a car.
Im not kidding about this.
Last week, the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum announced the results of a survey of 1,000 Americans, which suggested our country is more familiar with Simpsons characters, commercial slogans, and the judges from American Idol than with the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment (i.e., religion, speech, the press, assembly, and redress of grievances though if I need to list them, youre sort of proving the point). Only 28 percent of those surveyed could name more than one of these freedoms. And a mere one respondent was able to name all five.
Meanwhile, 21 percent thought the First Amendment guaranteed them the right to own and raise pets (which defies explanation).
And 17 percent thought it guaranteed them the right to drive a car (which is remarkable, since driving is a privilegenot a right).
Now, Ill admit it. When I first heard about this survey, I immediately found myself thinking, God Americans are stupid. (Actually, I immediately found myself counting my fingers, making sure I could name all five First Amendment freedoms. Then I found myself thinking, God Americans are stupid.") But the more I think about this, the more I think, God, maybe this doesnt really mean anything. I mean, think about it: As easy as it would be to bash Americans for the fat, lazy carelessness with which theyve approached this, the most sacred of First Amendmentsmaybe theyre on to something here. Maybe it doesnt make a difference whether they know whats protected by the First Amendment. Maybe they dont want those things to be protected in the first place.
In fact, maybe we dont even need a First Amendment at all.
Just think about the terminology Im using here. Whats this we stuff? I think the First Amendments important, sure. But does that mean the rest of the country needs to think its important also? Wouldnt that be hypocritical of me? Wouldnt that just equate to me imposing my viewpoint on my countrymen?
Maybe theres a reason why American Idol is more popular than the lynchpin of American freedoms. Maybe its because that lynchpin is quite simply losing in the marketplace of ideas.
I cant blame Americans for this. If anything, I probably ought to respect them for it. Theyve made up their minds about their priorities.
Its my own fault for disagreeing with them.
I think its time to face the basic facts of the matter here: The First Amendment doesnt exist to protect average Americans. It exists to protect people like me, Jonathan David Morrissemi-literate op-ed columnist. Thats the only way to explain why Americans dont care one way or another whether it erodes. This country has been trying to silence me for years now. The faster the First Amendment disappears from existence, the quicker Ill shut the hell up.
Most of the speech that Americans partake in isnt covered by the First Amendment. In fact, most of the speech we partake in falls subject to everyday checks and balanceslittle things that help keep us in line. In our professional lives, for instance, we can say whatever we want to say. And our bosses can promptly fire us for it. And in our personal lives, we self-regulate free expression (or have our spouses do it for us) in the name of self-preservation and social survival. This is called getting along with others. So, really, the only sphere of discourse that the First Amendments concerned with is political speech. And for most of us, thats meaningless. It only matters to people like me, who constantly, publicly complain about everything.
That said, I can see why most Americans dont really care about it. Because most Americans dont like me.
Hell, I dont like me, either.
I suck as a person. I wish I would stop talking now.
Im not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Maybe I would be if I understood what that expression even meant. But I dont. So Im not going to do it. If Americans want to hold on to the First Amendment, Im not going to complain about it. In fact, Ill be quite happy to continue hiding behind it. However, if Americans cant be bothered to so much as know about this thing, then maybe its time to get rid of it. Its only taking up valuable space in the national archives. So I say go for it. Delete it. If thats what you want, America, dont keep it around for my sake. Im going to say what I want to say anywaywith or without permission from the federal government.
Maybe without the First Amendment, elitists like those at the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museumwho no ones ever heard of anywaywill stop guilting you into knowing about the freedoms your forefathers left you. And maybe then you can enjoy some peace and quiet around here. Because, really, isnt that the kind of freedom you want?
Jonathan David Morris is a political writer -- and sometimes satirist -- based in Pennsylvania. A strong believer in small government, JDM often takes aim at oppressive taxes, entitlements, and laws, writing about incompetence at the highest levels of culture and government. Catch his weekly ramblings at readjdm.com.