Political Gumbo: Maybe You Should Read the First Amendment

On Monday’s City Council agenda there was an information item scheduled on comments on matters not on the public agenda.

Kind of weird to even write that.

An item on the agenda about items not on the agenda.

Even Spock’s mind would be blown over the logic there.

Here’s the skinny. An ad hoc committee – Councilmembers Madison, Williams and the Mayor, got together and decided the city’s business should take top priority on Monday nights.

Yes, legally they can do that.

Personally, I don’t care if the call in is at the top of the meeting or the bottom.

This isn’t a big deal.

What I find the bigger issue is the misinterpretation of the First Amendment.

Some members of the public that have called in to complain about an officer-involved shooting claim the new format impedes on their First Amendment rights.

This issue has absolutely nothing to do with the First Amendment.

If you’re an “activist” and you have never read the First Amendment all I can is that’s a damn shame and I cannot take you seriously if you don’t understand our most precious right.

Here it is.

“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.”

“Congress shall make no laws…”

It does not say the Pasadena City Council shall make no policy …

I’m pretty sure Pelosi, Schiff and the crew did not vote to move public comment to the end of agenda, lose the First Amendment line.

The First Amendment is a blazing sword that guarantees us our freedoms. But far too many people use it as a shield as flimsy as when they have no argument to defend their point.

Stop it.

Social media platforms can ban you, your employer can limit your speech at work, I can block you from texting or calling me, yes I am still on that.

And yes, the City Council can move public comments on matters not on the agenda to the end of the meeting without violating anyone’s First Amendment rights.

Although the Brown Act mandates comments on matters not on the agenda during regular meetings, it does not mandate when those comments will be heard or how much time you can speak.

Allowing speakers 1.5 minutes at the beginning of the meeting is a privilege afforded you by City Hall.

When you conflate your privileges with your rights, you’re just letting the world know you were not paying attention during civics class.

Then again, if you won’t bother to read the City Charter, or the staff reports, I guess I can’t expect you to have read the Bill of Rights.

Here’s what the first does not do.

Your First Amendment rights do not place you at the front of the line to speak or guarantee you a public platform.

You could be at the back of the line of thousands of people and public comment could be shuttered just as you grab the mic.

That’s life in the big city.

Your First Amendment right also does not guarantee you an audience. People at home can simply change the channel or hit the mute button when they get tired of hearing it, like I do.

That’s their right.

“Hey, Alexa, mute TV and play the Temptations.”

Sorry, just practicing.

I think “Just My Imagination” is perhaps the most beautiful, yet haunting, song ever written and performed.

Bottom line, you get to speak at the City Council meeting and express your opinion.

You’re privileged.

Now time to gear up Alexa.