Is Free Speech Really Free?

 Alex Jones, the Info wars founder, and conspiracy theorist, was ordered to pay Sandy Hook families almost 1 Billion dollars in damages due to a defamation lawsuit. Regardless of whether or not you agree with what Alex Jones has to say, does he have the right to say it? The First Amendment was cited, examined, and debated as protection and legal defense for the statements made by Jones. First Amendment free speech does not provide protection for knowingly disseminating false information that damages an individual's reputation.

If Sandy Hook was indeed a government conspiracy, how would it be proven? The information deemed "factual" about Sandy Hook was provided to the public and produced by the government. Any content that Jones published has all but disappeared from the internet. The questions raised and specific information that was called into question to be further analyzed are no longer available for independent review. The United States government has consistent history of being less than transparent.

"Fake news" is at an all-time high, and misinformation has become the public enemy. The free exchange of thoughts, ideas, and beliefs has come under fire. Are "We the people" waiving our right to judge for ourselves? Are we knowingly and willfully allowing the government and bureaucracy to shape collective thought?

Federal Law Protections For Religious Liberty (Department of Justice)

Religious freedom is a human right guaranteed to all persons of the United States that extends to organizations. You have the right to free exercise of religion which includes all aspects of observance and proactive of your faith. Legislation protects against government actions that target religious conduct. The government can not selectively burden denominations arbitrarily. The government is restricted from substantial burdens to religious organizations with rule-making, enforcement, or adjudications. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act does not allow the government to assess the reasonableness of a religious belief. The government may not ban an aspect of religious observance or practice or compel or pressure an organization to modify its observances. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on religion. The law protects individuals from being deprived of privileges, opportunities, or rights based on religious belief. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for religious observance. 

The US Constitution guarantees that congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. The free exercise clause acknowledges that people can believe and profess whatever religious doctrine they choose, free from government interference or regulation. The government may not punish religious beliefs or attempt to compel or modify beliefs. The government may not for speaking out on religious beliefs. Jones is known as a theorist. Alex Jones has not asserted his beliefs are fact, only theory. His theories and ideas attempt to explain an event or situation absent hard proof. 

Alex Jones seems sincere in his beliefs. "I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to death your right to say it." (unknown)