Hampton Roads Jihad - Essay Example

If I am a member of a local City Council and if my vote is the deciding vote that would spell the fate of Hampton Roads Jihad’s application for a permit to hold a demonstration in the City, I will uphold their right to public assembly. I will vote in favor of Hampton Roads Jihad thus allowing them to proceed with their demonstration commemorating Osama Bin Laden’s birthday. Just like any entity, Hampton Roads Jihad is entitled to express its sentiments and ideologies in public discourse even if it runs counter to the belief of my constituents. The applicant was right in their petition saying that if we allow even the Gay Alliance for Same-Sex Marriage to hold public assemblies, why not the Hampton Roads Jihad?

Giving pamphlets and holding public demonstrations are all preserved in the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 21)” which states that:

“The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary for a democratic society in the interest of national security or public safety (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedom of others” (icnl.org).

If Hampton Roads Jihad had passed all the scrutiny, submitted necessary requirements, and paid the permit cost of $97,500, then there will be no reason why the permit-issuing body –which is the City Council–should block the permit applicant from proceeding with the public assembly. It is the duty of the members of the City Council to scrutinize and consequently approve permits to hold a public assembly of applicants if they laboriously went through the series of procedures and if they meant to do it peaceably on the appointed date and place. If there is pressure from the public for the City Council to prohibit the Hampton Roads Jihad, it is the duty of the state to implement what has been approved and to put in place safeguard measures and contingencies that would avoid acts of violations by groups critical towards the demonstrators. Besides, the Hampton Roads Jihad has many options to contest unfavorable decisions in the higher authorities aside from the local City Council. On the other hand, if the demonstration goes awry, it is time to disperse the members of Hampton Roads Jihad to further avoid any damage to public property and national security.

Indeed, it is righteous not to allow demonstrators who are past criminals, themselves, to hold public demonstrations. But Hampton Roads Jihad, if they are to be believed, only filed for a permit for public demonstration just to commemorate Osama Bin Laden’s birthday. Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with that. No reason why we shouldn’t allow them. To say that since they believe Bin Laden, then they share the acts of Bin Laden is a misconception.

The Hampton Roads Jihad has the right to uphold its belief in Osama Bin Laden, and no entity has the right to challenge its sentiment on public discourse except for the sake of and during discussions. This is preserved in the freedom of expression and of the press, and to violate this is tantamount to a great disservice to America.

It is all clear in the First Amendment of the “United States Bill of Rights” which declares that:

“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.” (Amendment I, US Bill of Rights)

To vote favorably for Hampton Roads Jihad could be a great challenge that would spell the end of my career as a member of a local City Council on US soil which was once the primary target of Osama Bin Laden-led 9/11 attacks. But to prohibit the Hampton Roads Jihad from proceeding with their demonstration is a great disservice to America and its Bill of Rights. As a member of the City Council, I have a sworn duty to defend the US Constitution.