New look at the First Amendment

The high point of the second day for me was the presentation by John Seigenthaler and Ken Paulson. It was a refreshing look at the First Amendment.

It was interesting to see how personal freedoms have been restricted throughout history. I think there are many people in this country who don't know "One nation, under God," wasn't always in the Pledge of Allegiance. It appeared during the Red Scare when the United States was trying to prove supremacy over "godless commies." I did not know that the pledge's origins involved a socialist scheme to profit from selling American flags. It also was interesting to hear who was once considered subversive.

The fact that comics have been attacked in the mid-20th century was shocking, yet entertaining. I am a big fan of history, and I am glad that the orientation included this segment. It also is frightening how many Americans do not appreciate the freedoms protected by the First Amendment.

-- Shawn Smith, University of Arizona, Observer-Dispatch, Utica, N.Y.