It's Personal: 1st Amendment Threats

Why the First Amendment matters to me

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

As a former newspaper reporter and Jewish woman living in Texas, the First Amendment is of the utmost personal importance. It’s fundamental to me as a person, as much as blood, oxygen and coffee.

But I’ve experienced having these rights threatened, starting in elementary school and continuing as a journalist. I’m sharing my story because all of us are at risk of losing our First Amendment rights. They are being threatened, increasingly. We have to aware and be vigilant. It we get lax, these rights will disappear.

Growing up in the Bible Belt of Missouri, being Jewish was something that I was continually reminded of, for being different and not fitting in. Yes, always at Christmas, but throughout the year in more subtle ways. It wasn’t uncommon for a prayer to be offered at public school functions. Sporting events, banquets, etc. When the prayer began, I’d always be on edge, fearful of what might come.