July 4, 2016
Dear IABC/SC Members,
| United States Constitution – Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. |
On the 4th of July, take a few minutes to think about the 1st Amendment.
It is my firm belief that the founders created this one first, because it is the most important. Without it, all of our other freedoms would surely crumble — the only question is how quickly.
As you consider the privileges that come with the freedom of the 1st Amendment, I ask that you remember with great power comes great responsibility. In the age of social media, many people are out there actively giving free speech a bad name. You know the trolls I’m writing about. The petty. The petulant. The pissants. The ones who use news and events to justify their vitriol.
Over the holidays, before you get sucked into the negative thinking about the commentary and conversations — take time to consume some of the free speech that may help restore your faith in humanity.
There’s the college student who cuts grass for elderly neighbors or soup kitchens that are giving homeless people dignity by throwing out the cafeteria line and serving restaurant style. And, my personal favorite, the man who forgave the crooked cop who sent him to prison.
There is injustice in our society every day. There is cruelty in every community. But, there is also tremendous good. A lot of how we perceive our world depends on where we choose to focus our time and attention.
I hope you have fun, relaxing and happy Independence Day.
PS. We’re learning from the folks at Riverbanks Zoo at our luncheon next month. Hope to see you there. And, you have just over a month left to submit your entries for this year’s Palmetto Awards. Here is where to submit your best work.
Kevin N. Floyd
IABC/SC President, 2016