Editorials

Saluting our Patriot Guard Riders

TBO.com
Published: December 17, 2011

One of the greatest legacies of the United States is our Constitution and the restrictions it places on the federal government.

The First Amendment is truly the cornerstone of our federal republic. The guarantees while impressive are not absolute as free speech does not include shouting fire in a crowded theater. With the "right" of free speech there also is the implied duty of responsible behavior. Somehow that has been diminished as protesters think they have the right to disturb military funerals.

As our reporter Michael Bates pointed out in is story about a group of motorcyclists called the Patriot Guard Riders who have taken the role of providing a respectful escort to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

It is, in our view, reprehensible that individuals or groups would show such wanton disrespect for one of our fallen heroes that it warrants a private group of individuals to maintain the dignity of the event.

Our Founding Fathers did not have in mind the extension of the First Amendment by the judiciary over the years to include a variety of actions.

The right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances is another very unique American tradition, but does not include interrupting the graveside services of our honored dead.

While there is certainly the right of free speech and the right to peaceably assemble there is another right, which is to not infringe on the rights of others as they go about their own private ceremonies.

We salute all of the Patriot Guard Riders for their efforts to provide the atmosphere of respect that is so deserving of our military.