Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones used an Instagram video this past week to stress the importance of the First Amendment, saying the nation still struggles to uphold its protections more than two centuries after ratification.
Quoting directly from the amendment, Jones said: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. That’s the First Amendment.” The amendment was ratified in 1791.
“Two hundred thirty-four years later and America still can’t get this right,” Jones said.
Jones also cited the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC, saying it had been pulled for “speaking the truth.” He criticized what he described as government overreach and selective enforcement.
“You have the government weaponing itself against its own people, and the list goes on with what’s happening. Freedom of speech is not supposed to be optional,” Jones added.
His comments came shortly before ABC lifted the suspension, announcing Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return Tuesday after backlash over Kimmel’s remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk and several days of public pressure.
The video from Sen. Jones comes at a pivotal point in United States history, where there is ongoing debate about free speech and press freedoms, as well as the role of government authority. He ultimately urged his constituents to “pay attention.”
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