Defending Free Speech and Public Space

Public space is the cornerstone of democracy, and its health is the key to enlivened political discourse. It is our belief that all issues are encircled by the rights set forth in the First Amendment, and that unless the freedoms it guarantees are defended we will not be able to achieve other goals. Our parks, sidewalks, streets and the networks of the internet are threatened today by any individual or groups of individuals that misconstrues political expression in those places as a hindrance to their private interests. Those encroaching may be agents of nearby establishments or government bodies who preemptively curtail such discourse. An overly restrictive permitting process may threaten the space temporarily, or by a full-scale privatization scheme that turns a public space into a private one. As well it is important to note the regularity with which we, as citizens, censor ourselves and cede the rights of the first amendment to a more passive relationship with those controlling bodies.