The American Revolution didn’t end with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 – that is when the fight began. It ended in 1793, eight years later. To prevent “misconstruction or abuse of its powers,” the newly formed states drafted the first 10 amendments to the Constitution in 1791. The First Amendment guarantees our rights to freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.
Exercising that right recently, I joined others – seniors, mostly – on Main Street in Cortez to respectfully honor and recognize the tragic losses of Renée Good, Alex Pretti and many others at the hands of ICE. For many of us, the act of gathering in public, speaking out, writing letters to politicians and news outlets, and voicing our concerns about current political actions and the disregard for our constitutional rights pushes us out of our comfort zone and into the vulnerable space of public outcry.
We “protesters” are often subjected to cursing, fist-shaking, obscene gestures, loud engine noise, unlawful speeding and clouds of “rolling coal” from angry diesel truck drivers and others who disagree with our views. But we are entitled to stand for a cause without threat – implied or real – from those who vehemently disagree.
Following the tradition of our early American leaders, we concerned citizens of Cortez will continue to respectfully employ our First Amendment rights and speak out against injustice.
Theresa Goldstrand
Cortez
