We enjoy the First Amendment Center’s collection of quotations on the First Amendment. Recall, the First Amendment protects five freedoms. They are religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. All five are valuable to a healthy and vibrant democracy. We hope you enjoyed liberty on the Independence Day weekend.

“When opinions are free, either in matters of government or religion, truth will finally and powerfully prevail.” — Thomas Paine, pamphleteer, 1796

“A free press is what keeps us secure.” — Jane Harman, U.S. representative, D-Calif., 2006

“Unauthorized disclosures are the lifeblood of a republic.” — Daniel Ellsberg, former official, State and Defense departments, 2001

“We must suppress our emotions on this issue. Old Glory in flames in a sickening vision, but the Constitution in shambles is an apocalyptic vision.” — R. Shawn Lewis, editorial writer, The Register-Herald, Beckley, W. Va., 1998

“Standing up for what is right isn’t always popular.” — Mary Beth Tinker, plaintiff in 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District.

“This is the First Amendment! We don’t make people guess whether their speech is going to be allowed by Big Brother or not.” — Antonin Scalia, U.S. Supreme Court justice, 2007

“If bringing the message means the messenger gets roughed up a little bit, I’m happy to be that guy.” — Michael J. Fox, actor, 2006

“The Framers did not say a different version of the First Amendment would apply in different circumstances; they simply and eleganty told Congress to ‘make no law’ concerning the freedom of speech or the press.” — Edward O. Fritts, former president, chief executive officer, National Association of Broadcasters, 2000