::THE|SILENCER::

Do you ever feel that you're being silenced?
      That "Freedom of Speech" has less freedom involved than you thought?

   The first time I was really challenged on "Freedom of Speech" was in my Junior year of high school. It was 7th period Chemistry and my teacher wanted to open up an "unbiased" discussion leading to Creation vs. evolution. He said while he couldn't "openly state his opinion" it was most certainly made clear where he stood! I proceeded to chime in stating the reasons I believed in creationism and was almost instantaneously shut down. In an explosive 35 second rant, he told me to "get out of his classroom" and that I was a "waste of the parents' tax dollars"... No joke.
   After discussing the uncalled-for event with my parents, they called the school in a fury. My teacher was told to "apologize to me"...even though his apology sounded more like "I'm sorry you took what I said the wrong way..." hmm..sounds familiar.
I just couldn't comprehend; while all of my classmates who were of other races or had other sexual preferences were told to EXPRESS THEMSELVES and were given platforms to do so, I was being constrained to a perimeter of freedom so small I could barely stand in it.
   I first took offense to the scenario and even started feeling guilty for speaking out. That sort of rule which strikes fear in the heart of it's people sounds more like Tyranny to me than the so-called "Republic" we live in. 
tyranny (ˈtɪrənɪ)
— n , pl -nies
1. a. government by a tyrant or tyrants; despotism
b. similarly oppressive and unjust government by more than one person

   Even in writing this my programmed reaction was "well, I have to be careful with what I say here...don't want to anger anyone!" Yes, being cautious to not be haughty, proud, or rude I believe is necessary, but everyone is offended by something; so, it's nearly impossible to not offend someone with what you will say.
   Later, my junior year, with the help of my Christian friends, we looked to start a group for young girls who were looking to grow in their faith with us. We put together a proposition and took it to the school board. They said they would get back to us....time went on...nothing. We went to them again and they said there was no "good constructive purpose" and they couldn't see how this would be beneficial. Two weeks later they brought in an after school program called the Gay Straight Alliance or GSA.  Here is there goal:
   "The goal of most, if not all, gay–straight alliances is to make their school community safe and welcoming to all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. They participate in national campaigns to raise awareness, such as the Day of Silence, National Coming Out Day, No Name Calling Week, or locally organized Campaigns..."
   Please, tell me then if being a Christian makes even teachers call me names, makes me not even feel safe at my own school, and I am discriminated against by students and teachers alike, then what is the difference? Why are there no Christian school groups for me to attend? Why am I so quickly silenced at the mention of God? And the few remnants of songs and phrases that are left of a "Nation Under God", my own president doesn't even honor?

   So, here is my public allegiance to something bigger.
I will not sit down, back down, or shut up...
   I will not give up my ability to think and act on my own behalf as God created me...
I will honor those in authority, but I will not surrender my beliefs to them. I will not bow down to their gods of money, power, and fame.
   I will encourage free speech and our constitutional rights to my fellow men in a peaceful manner.
I will pray for our nation, this people, and those who are giving up their lives to ensure that I will continue to have these rights...