Freedom to Petition: Is This Campaign Season Stomping It Out?

Protesting is not an idea new to our generation. We grew up hearing stories of our elders protesting events such as Vietnam War, we learned about the O.G. protests like the Boston Tea Party, and then the more recent history of the Civil Rights Movement. We grew up learning that if there was something we didn't believe in, we had a right to get on the soap box about it. Our freedom to petition has been around since 1787. Which makes me begin to question why some politicians, such as Donald Trump, find the idea of protestors at their rallies simply preposterous. With the rise of

tensions coming with the primary elections, more and more protestors are speaking their mind: and more and more are paying a price for it. Peaceful and outspoken protestors alike are being removed from Trump rallies, some just for wearing a shirt showing support for a different candidate, others are being physically assaulted while they're being removed. 

So do Presidential candidates have the right to squash your speech and kick you out? 

Technically speaking, no, unless under a certain set of conditions. This can be explained by taking a look at who the First Amendment protects your from. This who? Well no other than your United States government. In order for your freedom to petition to be considered denied from you, a force of the government has to be the one denying you your voice. And not just any force of government either, who issues to intrusions to detain a protestor and why also come into play. When protestors are at a private event or venue, they can be removed without their rights being violated. Even if these protestors are escorted out by a government official, such as a police officer , if the orders did not come from a government official, but instead the head of a private event, your right to petition isn't applicable to be protected. 

This being said, I suggest taking note how candidates react to protestors. It may not be illegal to suppress someones right to express their opinion, but how your treat people who may not agree with your speaks volumes. Listen to what people are saying with their actions.