ST Alpha - "It's the last clause of the First Amendment ..." (Reading a Post)

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In response to "I don't see how the first amendment *obligates* public employees to provide an avenue for citizens to contact them. It's a prohibition, not a mandate -- nm" by Max

It's the last clause of the First Amendment ...

Posted by ReluctantCynic (aka ReluctantCynic) Jul 28 '17, 16:23

"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."

The right to petition the government for a redress of grievances is basically a First Amendment right to complain and have the opportunity to be heard.

The federal court decision I linked to in that news story above held that a public representative cannot stop listening to a constituent simply because the constituent is annoying or even offensive. The government has to prove that the constituent's intent was to harass, abuse, or otherwise harm the public official.

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But 1) Twitter-Blocking isn't a law passed by congress, 2) the person isn't denied access to Twitter, and 3) other avenues exist. - Max Jul 28, 17:29 1
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It's the last clause of the First Amendment ...

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