Emmily's Reason

Here are some thoughts from ACLU of Nevada friend and client Emmily Bristol, who participated in our recent lawsuit challenging the "personhood" ballot initiative in Nevada:

Why do I support the ACLU?

I keep a post card above my desk that has a picture of a pencil on it and reads, “This machine kills fascists.” Indeed, I can’t think of a more important freedom than that of free speech. The free exchange of ideas – even when we disagree – is the backbone of America.

Think about it: The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights is one of the most amazing and American rights we have and one I hold very dear as a writer. You don’t have to search very hard to find examples of people who do not have the right to speak their own thoughts publicly, write them down or share them with others openly. And this is not a long-ago plight but one of modern times in countries near and far. And yes, even in our own backyard sometimes.

This is why I support the ACLU. This is why the ACLU is one of the most patriotic, fundamentally American organizations in our great country.

Being an American and having these freedoms is not easy. We have to participate in our own freedom. We have to be knowledgeable. We have to fight with each other at times. It’s messy! But these freedoms are worth the messy, amazing struggle.

If you think of the Bill of Rights as the Bible of our uniquely American freedoms – which is not such a far-out analogy considering that there have been many interpretations and arguments over the meaning of those rights over the years – then the ACLU are guardians of those rights.

One of the reasons why I respect the ACLU is because they fight the good fight for everyone. Their agenda is singular: Defend American rights. They don’t pick sides in controversial debates. They represent equally the First Amendment rights of the drama department at Green Valley High School, white supremacist groups, brothel workers and union protestors. It is a mighty thing to set aside your own personal opinions to fight for the rights of all Americans.

And perhaps that’s the greatest lesson that the ACLU can still give us all – to lead by example. We didn’t get these freedoms easily. And when we stop paying attention, they can be all too easily chipped away. It’s good to know that there is an organization like the ACLU who will always be keeping watch and reminding us to pay attention.

Emmily Bristol is a journalist, activist, and the voice behind an awesome blog of her own, The Sin City Siren. Check it out!