Cook: Sen. Jason Rapert’s Apparent Hatred Of The First Amendment

I assume all of you took a civics class in junior high school, so allow me to give a pop quiz to test your basic knowledge of our Constitutional rights.

Question: Which of the following groups have the Constitutional right to peaceably march on Washington and express their opinions?

1) Mothers Against Drunk Driving
2) AARP
3) Ku Klux Klan
4) A fringe Muslim group with radical beliefs

Answer: All of the above.

Under the First Amendment, everyone has the right to peaceably assemble to express their opinions, regardless if their beliefs are laudable or disgusting. And regardless of what day it is.

Unfortunately, it appears State Senator Jason Rapert only supports the First Amendment for a select few of his choosing.

Today and last night, Rapert and I got into a debate via Twitter after he posted the following Tweet:

Sen. Jason Rapert (@jasonrapert)
8/15/13 11:26 PM
If a “Million Muslim March” is allowed in our nation’s capital on 9/11 – we are truly beyond help. I say NEVER. theblaze.com/stories/2013/0…

First, Rapert and I agree on one thing, these folks sound like a group of nutjobs. Their views are reprehensible.

But that’s where our agreement ends. Rapert and I had a back-and-forth over this issue:

Michael Cook (@mcookAR)
8/16/13 12:06 AM
No matter how vile or distasteful any group’s beliefs may be, everyone has the right to peaceably assemble, @jasonrapert #arpx

Here is one of Rapert’s replies that clearly misses the point of the First Amendment:

Sen. Jason Rapert (@jasonrapert)
8/16/13 2:43 AM
@mcookAR how could you support a group that claims the American Govt. caused 9/11 and that Jews caused 9/11? Do @ArkDems feel this way too?

You can see our complete Twitter exchange by viewing our respective Twitter handles: @mcookAR and @jasonrapert

According to Rapert’s logic, if you support the KKK’s right to peaceful assembly then you support racism and segregation.

Rapert knows I don’t support or agree with those knuckleheads’ beliefs. But I do support allowing citizens to utilize their First Amendments rights, even if I disagree with them.

It’s downright scary Arkansas has a State Senator who so clearly opposes the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.