Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Democracy is not the rule of the people. Democracy is the rule of the politicians elected by the people. As
of 2026, many politicians are influenced by lobbies which contribute to campaigns. Voters are educated and influenced by the media.
Speech helps voters digest propaganda so they can make better decisions at the ballots.
It is my impression that the media is superficial.
It is busy distracting with limited information from biased viewpoints.
The media does not explore issues at a depth that would allow people to make decisions outside of the official current options.
Media is busy throwing shade at people who attempt to explore issues at a deeper level than the official propaganda.
I've started listening to a ton of sources. The result is that the lack of context becomes evident.
I no longer fully trust a single source.
A vigorous exercise of speech keeps government from becoming oppressive.
Speech helps expose government run away on its own trajectory. Feeding voters a limited menu of options.
18th amendment. Ratified in 1919 and effective in 1920:
After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.
The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.
Alcohol kills. Often, alcohol is part of unhealthy lifestyles which include other drugs.
Billie Holiday died at 44 from cirrhosis of the liver.
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham died at 32.
Charlie Parker died at 34.
Nate Dogg died at 41.
Jimmy Reed died at 50.
AC/DC lead singer Bon Scott died at 33.
There's a 27 club.
Hank Williams, Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain.
I could go on.
21st amendment. 1933:
Section 1
The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
Section 2
The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.
Section 3
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.
Hank Williams, Led Zeppelin, and Billie Holiday were massively potent.
Passionately creative. It is likely that they would not have made the music they made had they lived
safe, healthy lives.
Many musicians drank and survived their youths. Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Wilson Pickett. Merle Haggard. Bobby Brown. Johnny Cash.
