December 15 marks the 226th anniversary to a written treasure. On that date in 1791, the Bill of Rights to the Constitution for the United States was ratified and inserted into the constitution.

Over the next few Fridays, leading up to the anniversary, I will be exploring the original ten amendments. I am asking you to do the same. You are further encouraged to change any/all/none of the amendments, stating your reason(s) for said alteration(s). Basically, these Friday sessions allow us to become better familiar with the framer's intent for our nation and freedoms.

The First Amendment reads as follows:

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.

My modifications take into account that James Madison and company never envisioned governments' thirst to expand to bloated and extended proportions. Maybe they did. Note, we can and have prior amended our Constitution.

Editor’s Note:   Brian Thomas is the host of Brian’s Beat on 1420 WBSM New Bedford.  He can be heard weekdays from 10am-Noon and Saturdays from 6am-9am.  The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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