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It didnt take cynics long to trip on the First Amendment. More than 500,000 people, including busloads from Loudoun County, marched in Washington in an historic, peaceful expression of American freedoms. Then came criticism from those who seem to have an issue with The First.

We had rather hoped for something better for these 45 words:

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.

Its an elegant sentence, clear in its intention. No alternative facts. No political cynicism. No contempt for the right of the people to express any of the five freedoms:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. Muslims included.

Or abridging the freedom of speech, even when words may make some uncomfortable.

Or the press, especially when it practices accountability.

Or the right of the people to assemble, as 500,000 women did in Washington with a common mission of solidarity.

Or to petition the government for a redress of grievances, of which there many against the new administration.

We can still honor the 45 words. In the next 45 days, in the term of the 45th President of the United States, we can rededicate ourselves to the inalienable rights that our Founding Fathers held most sacred: the 45 words in the First Amendment.

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Express your rights

Send us 45 words expressing a right you hold dear. This is our version of the 45 for 45 Project created by a citizen. Because the First Amendment protects free expression, you can interpret those 45 words however youd like. Participate solo, enlist your Facebook friends or make it a class project.

Email your expression to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with the number 45 in the subject line. Well feature some of our favorites on LoudounTimes.com and in the Times-Mirror.

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EDITORIAL: There's nothing cynical about the First Amendment ... - Loudoun Times-Mirror