Freedom of Speech or No?

Former Miss California, Carrie Prejean is back in the news today for a "sex tape" that has surfaced. I hadn't really paid much attention to past stories about this beauty queen because I didn't really care. But as I sipped my coffee this morning and half listened to the Today Show, something caught my attention - not the part about the "sex tape". This woman was in the middle of Miss USA controversy when asked a question about the state of California legalizing gay marriage and did she believe that other states should follow suit. She answered honestly, stating that she believed that marriage should be only between a man and a woman. This honest answer cost her the crown and stripped her of her title, Miss California. Now, I'm not interested in whether or not you personally believe gay marriage is right or wrong. We all have our opinions and I respect that and so should everyone else. However, I'm more concerned about our freedom of speech as Americans. Should this woman have been stripped of her title for answering a question she was specifically asked, exercising her freedom of speech? Disregard whether you agree with her answer or not. Furthermore, knowing how controversial this subject is in our country should this question have even been allowed to be asked by the judges?

Personally, I don't believe the question should have been allowed. In regards to her answer, it's her opinion. They asked her what she thought of the subject and she gave an honest answer. Now, some may say that since she disagrees with the state of California's laws she was not fit to represent the state. However, maybe they should have found out that information before crowning her Miss California. The damage was already done. And I doubt she is the only Californian that believes gay marriage is wrong.

It is my opinion that, as Americans, our First Amendment rights are in jeopardy. Americans can hardly say what they feel these days without being in the middle of major controversy. Conservatives and Liberals. We can't say Christmas tree without someone of a different faith getting all bent out of shape. If you don't celebrate Christmas, that's your right. But Christians do and that's our right. Why, do you think, everything is taken so personally? Again, put aside all personal opinions about gay marriage or Christmas trees. Do you feel that, as an American, you can speak your mind freely to other people? Do you feel our First Amendment rights are in jeopardy?

You can ready about Carrie Prejean and all her controversy here.