Most people do not protest or politick. That is a shame. Society would be better off if more of us examined what we believed, and advocated for it — at every age, not just in college.
But that is no reason for government to make it more difficult for those who choose to express themselves.
That is why we applaud those 100-plus Howard residents who packed the Board of Education building in Ellicott City at a public hearing last week to criticize proposed legislation that squashes free speech. It would ban people from standing on state highways in the county and advertising any message or soliciting donations.
Democratic Dels. Guy Guzzone, Shane Pendergrass and Frank Turner sponsored the bill. They said their intent was to ensure road safety. But shouldn’t those who decide to carry signs on the side of roads be able to decide where they are safe?
Besides, the Attorney General’s Office said the provision banning signs was unconstitutional. The fact that the delegates could not figure that out for themselves should disappoint their constituents.
The First Amendment clearly states, “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.” Maryland’s Declaration of Rights states, “That freedom of speech and debate … ought not to be impeached in any Court.” and “every citizen … ought to be allowed to speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects.”
You do not need to be a lawyer to understand those words. Nor do you need to be a lawyer to understand how banning sign waving helps incumbents at the expense of challengers, who face a bigger battle to win name recognition and votes.
Those challengers may be Republicans now, but this ban would hurt all challengers, regardless of party.
The delegates should withdraw the bill altogether, not just amend it. We face a massive budget shortfall next year and in years to come if structural changes to entitlement programs like public employee pension and health care benefits are not passed. Legislators must not waste time pushing for legislation whose only benefit is to help cement them in office.
