It is shocking that, as reported in the New York Times, “The Department of Homeland Security is expanding its efforts to identify Americans who oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement by sending tech companies legal requests [subpoenas] for the names, email addresses, telephone numbers and other identifying data behind social media accounts that track or criticize the agency.”
Never in my life have I witnessed an attempt by the government of the United States to abrogate, attack and threaten the First Amendment rights of citizens in such a brazen, disturbing and alarming way. All citizens of this country should wake up. Now is the time.
This act is like what the governments of Iran and China have done to their citizens: to spy on them, to surveil them, violate their privacy and freedom; to seek to instill fear in them and silence those who would oppose the policies or actions of the state.
We have a dream to protect and safeguard in this country — a living hope and history, built upon the inspirations, courage and sacrifices all those who came before us.
This act by the Trump administration is a fascist impulse and direction. This is not how my country and yours — our government — is supposed to act.
The First Amendment is unequivocal: “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.”
Speech on social media accounts is protected speech. Association of people with one another through social media, is protected freedom of association and assembly. Information and opinion published on social media, is freedom of the press. By that speech, by that assembly, and by that press, we are free to petition to our fellow citizens and our government about grievances and their redress.
The Trump administration had already gone too far when universities, law firms and corporations were targeted and when government departments were unconstitutionally dismantled and funding diverted in violation of laws passed by Congress.
It is time to wake up, America, to what is happening here. I hope that all will speak up, stand up, about your right to speak, to assemble, and to live free of fear. We must do so passionately and peacefully. Not violating any rights, not acting with disrespect, and not committing any criminal or uncivil acts, except when peaceful civil disobedience may be warranted.
It is time now to stand and speak — for truth, for rightness, for goodness.
Robert McIlwain
Pelham