A telling answer

By Dana Ferrell

In Tuesday's confirmation hearing, nominee Elena Kagan revealed her thoughts on our right to free speech. While in a discussion with Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) on the reach of the federal government to curtail political speech Solicitor General Kagan stated, "Senator Hatch, the First Amendment protects all of us and grants all of us rights."

One wishes Senator Hatch had stopped her right there and said the following, "No, Miss Kagan, the First Amendment does not grant us anything. We have the right to free speech as a result of our being born Americans. The First Amendment prevents the federal government from restricting our God given right to speak freely, especially when engaged in political speech."