Today on Culture Shift, Barry Farah talks about the final right within the first amendment – the right to petition the government to redress grievances. This practice stems from the Bible and English law. In the Old Testament, Moses was told to train leaders on how to handle disputes and grievances. He then leads us through the history in England in the granting and removing of the right to redress grievances of citizens, and how that has also happened in American history. This constitutional right connects to our current moment in the United States. Barry Farah describes why the right to peaceably address grievances is important to maintain the framework of our nation. He outlines recent events, specifically related to the January 6 convening of Congress to potentially redress the grievances of alleged voter fraud, and how that opportunity was lost due to the introduction of violence in an otherwise peaceable assembly at the U.S. Capitol.
Tweetable quotes:
“The right to petition the government is dependent upon the right to peaceably assemble” (1:32)
“When a large crowd peaceable assemblies, it has the right to be heard for their grievances.” (2:14)
“When an assembly turns hostile, it loses its moral authority, and its right to petition the government to address grievances” (2:20)
“The whole reason America was established was the failure of King George III to address the grievances of colonists” (8:17)
“People who independently study political issues, they should have a mechanism to be heard and not silenced.” (23:03)
“The constitutional right to address grievances is frail, but I am hoping the next generation will reawaken and strengthen the right to petition the government.” (23:37)