Sorry For the Inconvenience

I would like to introduce Taegan, our newest Liberty First intern. She describes herself as:

Sorry For The Inconvenience

by Taegan James

Good morning readers. Can we just take a moment to agree that Americans are a lazy people? We constantly make choices and act upon what is easiest and most comfortable for us. I admit, I am often this way because why should I put myself out when there is a more time-saving alternative. As is the routine, we searched for somewhere to get coffee on the way to our morning meeting. Starbucks is usually our go-to, but I found a place right on the route (for convenience of course), but upon arrival we discovered that they lacked a drive-thru. We had plenty of time, so we decided to get coffee at the Black Cup anyways, and I am so glad we did. I’m pretty sure I told KrisAnne that this was the best hot latte I have ever had. The coffee bean was bold and smooth, was combined with the perfect ratio of vanilla and steamed milk, and the barista even created an adorable design. I would take this coffee over any major chain every day of the week, and twice on Sundays. I have been looking forward to going back there (hopefully) all day, and I’m actually very glad we didn’t run into a Starbucks on our way.

This morning at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage, KrisAnne taught a class for peace officers about how to uphold the Constitution, and protect the liberties of Americans. One thing that really caught my attention during this presentation was the concept of protected speech. Without the freedom of speech and thought, you cannot operate with a free conscience. This is a form of self-imposed slavery. KrisAnne brought to our attention several court cases that help show that ALL speech is protected, not just what is popular in current society. So that means I am free to be as offensive as I want with what I choose say! This whole concept of “hate speech” is absurd. Just because it may be offensive to someone somewhere, doesn’t mean it is inherently wrong, or should not be said. In fact, the right to be offensive is the right to challenge others’ thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. If someone vilifies you for “hate speech,” it just means they believe in conforming to whatever is the current status quo. Do not silence yourself in order to please society! Sure, it is easy to shrink back and keep quiet because God-forbid we step on anyone’s toes or hurt someone’s feelings! Well it’s about time Americans put their big boy or girl pants on, quit getting offended so easily, and face challenging ideas head-on. It may not be convenient, or popular, but the freedom of speech is absolutely essential to the preservation of liberty.

Think about this, when a computer program fails and the message “sorry for the
inconvenience” pops up on the screen, what do you do? Do you just say “oh well” and quit whatever you were doing? Or, do you figure out what the problem is and continue working? My guess would be the latter. This exact thing happened at tonight’s class when Microsoft Powerpoint unexpectedly turned off. We didn’t just pack up our things and call it a night, the issue was immediately confronted, remedied, and business went on as usual. Yes, the interruption was slightly bothersome, but inconveniences should NEVER impede us from fighting to preserve liberty. I’m sure it wasn’t all that comfortable for our forefathers to fight a war for freedom, but they gave their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor so that we may enjoy the “Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and out Posterity” (Declaration of Independence). Think about that the next time you think it’s too “inconvenient” to call one of your legislators to demand that they comply with the Constitution.

Pursuing truth and defending liberty, always.

-A Devoted Patriot