Which Amendment?

From my American Government class.  Short and to the point.

Honestly, I had a very difficult time deciding which Amendment is the most important and why.  There are so many very important aspects to our societal structure that are completely reliant on these amendments.  Where to start?  After much consideration, I finally decided that all of this – my life as an individual in this country, my education, my choices (good and bad) – were all possible because someone was given the right to verbal ammunition to make change.  That is why I decided that the First Amendment regarding Freedom of Speech is so important. 

Not just important to me, but important to all who live in this country.  My husband and I watch a lot of documentaries from or about other countries, and it is horrifying to watch other countries and the actions of their militant governments and how they respond to civilian outcries.  I believe that the freedom of speech is freedom of information. It is access to education.  State schools are not limited in their textbook selection, mandated by a central government.  Unfettered access to information allows people to learn whatever they want, practically whenever they want. 

My voice as an individual can be heard, no religion can control me, and I can choose my own path.  I also appreciate the First Amendment because I can, at any time, march up the stairs of local, state, or federal government offices and let my voice be heard.  Now that you know how I feel about the First Amendment, I would like to say that the trail to Mount Lukens has some of the most amazing wildflowers in the spring, but that’s just my opinion.