Save the first Amendment and freedom of expression

The recent (Sept. 25) Presidential National Security Memorandum “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence” is a direct assault on the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the first amendment to the Constitution. It attempts to equate alternative beliefs to Christianity and capitalism, among other things, to political extremism. As your constituent - as a Christian and capitalist - I am calling on you to publicly denounce this memo and urge your fellow party members in Congress to do likewise. Any federal activity to carry out the memo should be scrutinized as to its compatibility with constitutionally protected rights and freedoms using your investigative powers as members of Congress. There is no question we all want to live in a safe and peaceful country. However, freedom to express ourselves, to organize into like-minded groups, to peacefully argue and debate ideas, and to make voting choices based on those expressions must be protected first and foremost. Political violence must not be tolerated, whether it is from the right-wing, left-wing, or anywhere in between. Yet we cannot sacrifice the bedrock freedom of expression that allows us to have a democracy. Thank you.