Students march down Smoky Hill road chanting “Hands up; don’t shoot” as they carry various signs protesting the shooting death of Michael Brown. Other students just stay inside and watch the crowd disappear out of view. Some students here do not use/appreciate their 1st Amendment rights and ignore them out of fear.

Here in America, we have “inalienable” rights. These are rights that cannot be taken away. The 1st Amendment guarantees this by saying , “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.”

Students, however, feel restricted in schools. Many students around America, even the world, get in trouble for reading the Bible, including the word “God” on posters, or simply saying they do not like a teacher. Sure, you can write it all over Facebook or Twitter, but what about in real life?

Today, Jan. 7, twelve people were killed by a group of Islamic extremists for publishing a Muhammad cartoon after threats were made to a satirical newspaper. Around the world, people are restricted by their government and/or peers. In America, only other human beings can prevent you from speaking your mind. People everyday die for saying what they believe.

So when asked to speak your mind, do it. Our military members die trying to protect this right; do not let them die in vain. In fact, do not wait to be asked, just do it.