It is heartening to hear so many people advocate for the First Amendment as debate swells over public commentary at Stillwater City Council meetings.

As journalists we stand on the First Amendment soapbox at every opportunity and shine light on our right to press freedom.

It is exciting for those outside our field to recognize the weight and value of this guaranteed right as they demand time to exercise their right to free speech.

While we’re sounding the horn for freedom of the press and freedom of speech, what a great opportunity to take a closer look at the First Amendment of our U.S. Constitution.

Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.

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.

Governor says offer ideas with criticism

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry told Oklahoma editors and publishers today the people criticizing his budget proposal need to offer their own solutions.
"It's not acceptable to simply sit on the sidelines and criticize. ... Lay your ideas on the table also. "
Other points: In spending rainy day fund - or not - Henry said he wants to make sure he is following the agreement he signed regarding use of stimulus funds.
"The crisis we face today is precisely the crisis voters envisioned when they created the Rainy Day Fund."
He says he wants to make sure the spending cuts the state makes now don't "irreparably damage" education, health care delivery and other areas. Economic recovery will come, Henry said, and Oklahoma needs "to be prepared for that recovery."