Celebrating Freedom
By Staff
Melissa Cason
In three days, our country will pause for a day to celebrate our independence. It's been 233 years since we fought the British so that we could become our own free country.
In the years since the Revolutionary War, the world has changed drastically, but what hasn't changed, at least in America, is that we are free.
While we have many freedoms in this country, our first freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights are what I consider our most sacred rights.
"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," the law reads.
As a Christian, I cherish my freedom to go to church, and worship the way I want. One's relationship with God, or religion, is a very personal thing, and it's obvious we should have the right to practice our beliefs without persecution.
Another sacred part of this law is our freedom of speech and press. Without this law, I would not have a job. Without this law, I could be persecuted for reporting facts.
I hold my freedom of speech very dear. I enjoy having opinions, and sharing them with you from time to time. I enjoy writing about my family in my columns. Without freedom of speech, I could not do this column.
As for our freedom of the press, I feel it's important that the people get unbiased information so they can make up their own minds about what's going on in the world around them.
A few years ago, our former publisher told me that our job is to keep people honest. That's why we go to council meetings, court proceedings, and other places to get the news. That's why we sometimes have to ask tough questions.
I don't enjoy having to ask tough questions, but it's my job so I do it.
While it's great we have all this freedom, many don't realize that with these freedoms come great responsibility, and I take this responsibility very seriously.
When I sit down to write a news story, I focus on the facts: What I see and what sources tell me. My thought process is just facts. Feelings and opinions never enter into the equation.
But, when I sit down to write my columns, my feelings lead the way. If you are reading my column, you can bet it came from the heart.
