Day 14: 5 big things

On the eve of midterm elections, I've got politics and constitutional amendments and types of government on my mind.  Lots of people, myself included, are unhappy with aspects of how the U.S. government is currently being run.  But you know what's awesome?  We still have really important freedoms.  Many of these even facilitate our ability to push for change in the government.  So today, the five big things I'm thankful for are the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

1.  Freedom of religion - We can practice our religion freely, and we can be assured that nobody else's religion will be forced upon us.  This is one of those dichotomies that is always being worked out and is never perfected, in the same way that individual freedom and the common good sometimes bump up against each other and decisions need to be made that restrict one or the other.  But it's awesome that our country has named both of these freedoms as things to aspire to.  

2.  Freedom of speech - This is a pretty humble little blog, but there are countries where I could be thrown in prison for using a forum like this to write any thoughts that go against the government message.  Ditto with any thoughts that have come out on social media.  We can speak our minds with freedom and the only fear is getting in an online fight with an acquaintance who feels differently.  

3.  Freedom of press - Yes there are some problems with biased news sources on both the right and the left, but a robust free press is keeping the public informed and keeping the government accountable.  Especially in a time when truth is treated as optional, it's good to have the press poking holes in lies.  

4.  Freedom to assemble - We can meet up to organize for our causes.  We can peacefully march and protest.  

5.  Freedom to petition our government for redress of grievances - we can complain to our government or seek the assistance of our government without fear of punishment.  So if you don't like how Congress or the White House is performing, light up those phone lines!

I'm so grateful for these freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.