What is ability? The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘ability’ as “The quality in a person or thing which makes an action possible; suitable or sufficient power or proficiency; capability, capacity to do, or (now rare) of doing something." The question then, in discussing the First Amendment, is whether or not ability necessitates action. Does the capability to do or say something mean you must? Or is it a Peter Parker situation: with great power comes great responsibility?

The First Amendment allows people to speak and write freely, practice any religion, and assemble peacefully. Flag desecration, burning being one of many ways to desecrate the flag, is a form of protest. Flag burning, at least in the U.S., is not considered to be unconstitutional. According to the rulings in the U.S. Supreme Court rulings in Texas v. Johnson and U.S. v. Eichman, flag burning is covered under “symbolic speech” – a legal term in the U.S. used to describe actions that purposefully and discernibly convey a particular message or statement to those viewing it. “Symbolic speech” is covered by the right to free speech in the First Amendment.

The First Amendment guarantees our most basic rights: free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to assemble. We, as a people, do not have to face jail time, or even death, for shouting our opinions or practicing a religion. Even though more people in today’s day and age share their thoughts anonymously on the internet, these thoughts and feelings are still enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Iowa State University, along with the Greenlee School of Journalism, recognizes the importance of this amendment, and celebrates First Amendment Day, as a part of First Amendment week, every year in April. Focusing on the free speech aspect, I sat down with Michael Belding, senior in History and Political Science and Opinion Editor for the Iowa State Daily, to talk about why Iowa State celebrates this important amendment.

After the events of September 11, 2001, this population came more into the public eye than ever before. As a native American, I have noticed a certain stigma attached to the faith by several of my peers. Being shoved into the spotlight by a small group of believers has forced the Muslim culture to adapt in a country that associates the whole with the part. In this tense and almost fearful environment, one wonders if Muslims in America truly feel that they enjoy our nation’s promised freedom of religion. I visited the Darul Arqum Islamic Center in Ames and spoke to Sal Syed about the changes that the Muslim community has undergone in the past decade.