Never have I thought about the First Amendment more, in my 15 years of life, than this past year. Much has happened in this country.
I believe citizens of the United States do not realize how different our country would be without our freedoms and democracy. We have had this amendment for so long that it is hard to think about what our country would be like without it. We need to stop taking it for granted, though.
The newest and scariest challenge that free speech in the United States has faced is the battle against misformation. It’s a crisis that threatens the freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment.
Can you imagine life without the First Amendment? If I were not allowed to speak about my beliefs, then I would not be writing this letter. Freedom of speech is essential; without it, even some of the simplest things would be restricted.
If we had not gone through the experience that so many countries have gone through before us, we would make the same fatal flaw of no free speech in our government.
Freedom of speech is a great thing, but if we can’t separate hate speech from free speech, the fire is going to spread.
As a continuation of its efforts to increase civic education and engagement, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation has launched the Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest.
To support these efforts, the WNA Foundation asks that member newspapers run ads promoting the Civics Games contests, publish stories and editorials and publishing winning entries after the winners are announced.
In the interest of public health and the safety of our students and communities, the WNA Foundation has decided not to hold Wisconsin Civics Games competitions in 2021.
In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the public health crisis that has forced schools and most businesses to close, the WNA Foundation has decided to cancel the 2020 Wisconsin Civics Games competitions on April 24 and May 15.
This year’s Wisconsin Civics Games regionals will take place at four locations: UW-La Crosse, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison and Marquette University.
34 Schroeder Ct., Suite 220
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 283-7620