Kyle A. Porter Editor-in-chief

In one of my classes, we just reviewed and discussed the first amendment to the U.S. constitution and its guarantees of freedom of the press and free speech.

It’s been a few weeks since a protester, visibly armed with a pistol and semi-automatic rifle, was photographed outside the downtown Phoenix Convention Center during an appearance by President Obama. The images and the reactions have been splashed across the media ever since. The point was clear: he and the 11 other armed protesters have a right to keep and bear arms—amendment number two.

The image was jarring, though the protest was peaceful and surveillance by secret service was thorough. Ultimately, it was reported that the peacock show was a publicity stunt and a sort of exercise of the freedom of speech.

Because it happened in Arizona, our Wild West image has been resurrected. As a native of Phoenix, I used to cringe at this stereotype because it seemed no more fitting to this growing urban state capitol than the image of pilgrims in breeches and buckle shoes defines Massachusetts today. High-profile travel advisories and tongue-clucking aside, the image and the action of carrying a gun are chilling to many, including me.

Guns are threatening and their potential is violence. Our police are armed to counter violent threats. Armed private citizens can be a puzzle; are they prepared for self-defense or preparing to act above or outside the law? Was the message of this and other recent protests by armed citizenry a threat or simply a show-and-tell? The protest and the reaction are like checks and balances in the exercise of rights which our constitution enumerates.

The Wild West notion will drift back to its grave on Boot Hill. Come winter, the fifth largest city in the U.S. will renew its luster as a business and vacation destination. Phoenix can boast of diminishing crime rates in recent years, despite the open-carry gun laws.

The constitution, bill of rights and later amendments carry the weight of a lot of history and debate about the intention of the founders and subsequent lawmakers of the United States. It’s ponderous and thrilling to me to imagine the experiences and angst that shaped their thinking.

Studying journalism, I’ve been reminded that the right of freedom of the press comes with a responsibility to write and report ethically.

The right of assembly and protest as well as to bear arms, all rights, are laden with responsibilities also.

I believe we need to really consider and anticipate the impact of our excercise of our rights—we are responsible for the message.

Opinion

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