Ted Strickland: “that which separates this Nation from all others on the face of this earth is our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.…”

“that which separates this Nation from all others on the face of this earth is our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was written specifically to protect minority opinion. That is why I am so concerned about a vote that was cast by this body yesterday, a vote that could have the effect of chilling free speech--the first amendment--the cornerstone of our Bill of Rights. While I abhor racism, bigotry, and prejudice from any quarter, it is highly inappropriate for this body as an official instrument of Government to take an official position against speech uttered by an American citizen. Mr. Speaker, popular speech does not need the protection of the Bill of Rights. Only unpopular speech, because our forefathers were wise enough to know that there are some rights that are so precious, so fundamental that even the majority should not have the power to strip them away. Mr. Speaker, I have heard what I consider racist, bigoted and grossly intolerant speech spoken in the well of this House. Should we condemn ourselves? What about radio personalities who are offensive? Ought we to condemn Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern?--I think not. Perhaps as a body we should heed the words of a great moral teacher who said, ``Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.''”