The First Amendment By T.S. Khanna, August 12, 2016

Foundation for Better Government

August 12. 2016

The First Amendment

By T.S. Khanna, August 12, 2016

The surge of spirit that prevailed at the time of establishing this nation lingered on for a long time after the Constitution was adopted.  The Constitution worked well under that spirit,  missing now.

Let’s look at the First Amendment in light of the Jihadi terrorists availing its protection under the guise of Islam, prior to committing the crime.

To most people, it is not clear if the terrorists are truly religion driven or it is their misinterpretation of Islam to moralize their heinous crimes.

Religious teachings have two aspects:  relationship (1) with God, and, (2) with other human beings.  Re the first aspect, variations in religious teachings are of little concern.  However, for the second aspect, compatibility is essential in the teachings of various religions participating in democracy.

Non-compatible religions cannot be given protection under the First Amendment.

That is why, it is imperative to examine the scriptures, values, customs, and doctrines of all religions in the USA and allow First Amendment protection only to the qualifying religions.

Moreover, in the wake of advancing technology and the mixing of various cultures, it is a compelling time for us to review, rethink, and replant some of the diverse cherished beliefs and convictions.

The nation is not a phenomenon of a single race, ethnicity, or, religion, but for people to live together, work together, and flourish together, some level of uniformity in their belief system must be attained and maintained for inspirations  from common ideals.

The First Amendment could be instrumental in developing this American exceptionalism.