It is easy to focus on these other issues and accidentally cause new ones by suppressing the liberties of the people who you are trying to educate.

 
Our population has ceased to be filled with traditional binary social norms. The rise of the LBGTQ community, the resurgence of undesirable behaviors, and the increasing divide in politics means that we have to learn how to communicate with each other again.

The entirety of society is the result of change. We must embrace the change and have respect for our neighbors, regardless of our agreement with their values.
 

​

We must allow the people to speak offensively.

​

The right to have your say is your own. You also have the right to deal with the consequences.

​

Our State Constitution (Article I Sections 8 and 26) says this on the subject:

"Freedom of Speech and Press
No law shall be passed restraining the free expression of opinion, or restricting the right to speak, write, or print freely on any subject whatever; but every person shall be responsible for the abuse of this right."

"Assemblages of People; Instruction of Representatives; Application to Legislature
No law shall be passed restraining any of the inhabitants of the State from assembling together in a peaceable manner to consult for their common good; nor from instructing their Representatives; nor from applying to the Legislature for redress of greviances [sic]."

​

​

Did you know that one of our State Legislators sponsored a bill to ban display of a noose after being was hung in effigy during a protest? There’s probably a dozen people in this state that even know how to tie one.

 

I believe that to be a travesty and would be happy to teach anyone who would like to know how.

​

 

 

We must allow the people to have dominion over their own bodies.

​

Again to our Oregon State Constitution; Article 1, Section 1:

"Natural Rights Inherent in People
We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right: that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper."

 

 

We must allow the people to make decisions based on their own values.

​

Pretty sure there’s a pattern here as we once again visit the Oregon State Constitution, Article I, Sections 2-6:

"Freedom of Worship
All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences."

 

 
"Freedom of Religious Opinion
No law shall in any case whatever control the free exercise, and enjoyment of religeous [sic] opinions, or interfere with the rights of conscience."

 

"No Religious Qualification for Office
No religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office of trust or profit."

 

"No Money to Be Appropriated for Religion
No money shall be drawn from the Treasury for the benefit of any religeous [sic], or theological institution, nor shall any money be appropriated for the payment of any religeous [sic] services in either house of the Legislative Assembly."

​

​

"No Religious Test for Witnesses or Jurors
No person shall be rendered incompetent as a witness, or juror in consequence of his opinions on matters of religeon [sic]; nor be questioned in any Court of Justice touching his religeous [sic] belief to affect the weight of his testimony."

 

 

We must cease the use of government entities to enact violence on the public, regardless of intent.

​

​

Article I, Section 15:

 

"Foundation Principles of Criminal Law
Laws for the punishment of crime shall be founded on these principles: protection of society, personal responsibility, accountability for one’s actions and reformation."

​

​

Article I, Section 18:

 

"Private Property or Services Taken for Public Use
Private property shall not be taken for public use, nor the particular services of any man be demanded, without just compensation; nor except in the case of the state, without such compensation first assessed and tendered; provided, that the use of all roads, ways and waterways necessary to promote the transportation of the raw products of mine or farm or forest or water for beneficial use or drainage is necessary to the development and welfare of the state and is declared a public use."

​

​

Article I, Section 22

 

"Suspension of Operation of Laws
The operation of the laws shall never be suspended, except by the Authority of the Legislative Assembly."

​

 

We must reduce government interference in the lives of the public.

 

​

Our state is diverse. The people come from all walks of life. What works in Wallowa causes pain in Paisley, suffering in Sandy, destruction in Dufur, kookiness in Klamath Falls, and calamity in Coos Bay.

 

​

Article I, Section 20:

​

"Equality of Privileges and Immunities of Citizens
No law shall be passed granting to any citizen or class of citizens privileges, or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens."

​

All of Oregon is entitled to their own beliefs, religions, and thoughts, with the right to also express them. They are also entitled to the consequences of their expression.