1st Amendment Rights Preserved
by Don Allphin
My name is Don Allphin and I am an entrepreneur. I am a writer, a real estate investor, a business consultant, photographer, and last but not least, a professional bass angler. Early last Summer I took 10 months off, got involved in local politics and ran for Mayor of my adopted hometown, Provo, Utah. Though I didn’t win the election (18 percent of the vote in the primaries when I needed 23 percent to move on) I made sure people understood who I am, and what I stand for. It is about this subject I’m blogging today.
I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America. I believe in unfettered free speech as contained in the First Amendment. And, today was a great day for First Amendment Rights. The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), of which I am a charter member, has been following, and participating in the Robert Stevens case: Stevens, a Virgina man was convicted of the “crime” of being involved in journalist endeavors with regards to animals in their natural environment.
The Supreme Court upheld the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision that voided Stevens’ conviction. “POMA is grateful to the court for this important decision,” said Laurie Lee Dovey, POMA executive director. “The First Amendment rights of traditional outdoor sports journalists, those who cover legal hunting and fishing and promote the enjoyment of these American heritage sports are protected. The impact of the decision on POMA members, all journalists, and the outdoor industry can not be overstated.”
We now live in a society that is way out of touch with the “real” United States, urban dwellers who rarely see beyond the cityscape. Many do not appreciate the wide open spaces, the wild parts of our country, the swamps of Louisiana, the Rocky Mountains, or the deserts of the Southwest. But this is my home, and I want the world to know that I do get it. I understand we need to be good stewards, to the environment, to the earth, and to each other. But at the same time, I don’t “get” the arrogance of those who actually believe “they” can “save” our planet. We speak of man-made global warming, but say nothing of the Nature-made ash plume that has shut down Europe for a week. Where is their arrogance now? How can “they” save us from Nature? Dead Silence.
I love the outdoors, and you will see as you continue to read future blogs that I have opinions and am not afraid to share them. Please come along for the ride and feel free to share your thoughts on this or any of the topics that seep out of my very curious and overactive brain.
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