Letter: Ordinance infringes upon our constitutional rights
This newspaper’s motto offers a stark warning: “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” That’s not just a high-minded slogan. It’s the only way a democracy can survive.
But consider this: A new Rehoboth Beach ordinance violates our constitutional rights. The First Amendment says that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech” or the “right of the people” to peaceably assemble. That restriction not only applies to the U.S. Congress. It applies equally to the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners.
Here’s just one of several problems with the new law. According to the ordinance, those planning a march or a rally are required to apply for a permit eight weeks in advance. Eight weeks in advance? Seriously? We live in a social-media world where issues erupt in an instant. Two months is an eternity. This isn’t a liberal or conservative issue. Groups could be protesting offshore drilling or rallying support for a border wall. It’s an American issue.
It is a widely accepted principle that justice delayed is justice denied. The same can be said of our First Amendment rights. Free speech delayed is free speech denied.
Rehoboth Beach commissioners need to change the ordinance so that it no longer infringes upon our First Amendment rights.
Don Flood
Lewes
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