Oh Look! I Think It's 1984...

Before I say anything else, I would like to point out that I absolutely love my Saltmine. Even when it is demanding. Even when no one around me seems to appreciate the work I do. I do it because I consider it to be noble, and I give it my all sometimes in the face of great odds.

I dream of a day when people will respect both Miners and Inmates. However, regardless of what other people may say and think I will continue to strive to be better and better. I make an effort to do what is right and be a real person at the same time, without the cookie-cutter cliches. I also treat people with dignity and respect; I may be a spaz but only in fun. My goal is to make the world better in as many ways as I can, even if it's only by making people laugh with my silly and inane stories of ninjas, superheroes and unbelievable adventures.

I do this for the sheer joy of it.

I hope you know that.

But I'm a little stressed right now and I'll share why.

I have a quick question for ya' all...

What does Freedom of Speech mean to you?

Because when I woke up this morning I was unaware that apparently I had gone back in time and it was no longer 2008, instead apparently it's 1984.

Do you know what the supreme court ruled in the Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District case?

I do.

You see, some of the students of the Des Moines School district decided to wear armbands in protest of the Vietnam War. The students in question were suspended for this behavior. Ultimately the supreme court upheld the student's rights to free speech.

Do you know what the supreme court said?

Perhaps you don't but I do. In case you're interested, here's what the court ruled:

Held:

1. In wearing armbands, the petitioners were quiet and passive. They were not disruptive, and did not impinge upon the rights of others. In these circumstances, their conduct was within the protection of the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth. P P. 505-506.

2. First Amendment rights are available to teachers and students, subject to application in light of the special characteristics of the school environment. P P. 506-507.

3. A prohibition against expression of opinion, without any evidence that the rule is necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or the rights of others, is not permissible under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. P P. 507-514.

'Cause I'm all about Freedom.