Our constitutional freedoms are under attack. We must unmask the perpetrators. And fight back.

Those plotters seek to undermine our right to free speech. They cite what some old judge once wrote about limiting what we can say: That you cant shout fire! in a crowded theater. You can. The First Amendment gives you the absolute right. Exercise it when the Morris is open again for plays.

An example of trampling on individual freedoms is the investigation right here in Michiana of a patriotic celebration by a few dozen exemplary young people at Diamond Lake on the Fourth of July.

Fake News television and newspapers tell you there were many hundreds of those people packed tightly together at a sandbar, flaunting their contempt for concerns about that virus thing. You know, the alleged threat the discredited Dr. Anthony Fauci blabbers about to scare us.

Just another Fake News hoax.

Doctored visuals portrayed those young people as irresponsible, bumping, bouncing and breathing heavily in what one silly critic called a COVID-19 Petri dish. Youd think Diamond is a COVIDs best friend.

Doctored visuals made it appear that nobody was wearing a mask. Many were because of deep concern for parents, grandparents and classmates when some of them return to college. As they scatter to spread their freedoms, they will help to determine whether there is teaching in classrooms and college football this fall. They are important. But Fake News even pretended that Diamond Lake residents didnt want them being patriotic at their pretty lake.

Duplicate imaging made it appear that the area was crowded, packed. Fake bikini images made it appear to be a beach party. Diamond in the buff.

It was a patriotic event. With patriotic music. Nobody took a knee during the national anthem.

As one self-identified organizer told The Tribune, the party was constitutionally protected by the U.S., Indiana and Michigan constitutions. Hes right, even if he couldnt tell the snoopy reporter the exact constitutional wording.

Its in there, the young constitutional expert declared. I dont know specifically, but playing music in a public space is constitutionally protected activity.

True, its part of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: The right of the people to play music in a public space shall not be infringed.

So, play music as loud as you want at 3 a.m. in a public street outside a hospital, nursing home or residence of any person with whom you disagree. Its constitutionally protected.

The Indiana Constitution also applies, even though Diamond Lake is in Michigan. Indianas Article 7, Section 18, says: There shall be no criminal prosecution in Cass County, Mich., for any playing of music or other activities at a July Fourth celebration.

The Michigan Constitution declares that Indiana will have that power. Neighborliness.

Its remarkable that the event organizer knew of this rare constitutional provision one state giving away jurisdiction in a county to a neighboring state. He could someday be appointed to the Supreme Court in both states.

Dont let anyone infringe on your constitutional rights. They are absolute.

Shout Fire! in a crowded theater if you want. You have freedom of speech.

If some police officer tells you to drop your gun, dont do it. Cite your Second Amendment rights and point the gun at the cop. You have a right to aim anywhere you want.

Dont let any mayor, governor or health officer tell you what to do. You have a constitutional right to go in any store, restaurant or nursing home without a mask, even if you have a 103-degree temperature. You dont have to wear shoes, shirt or pants.

Be like the proud July Fourth celebrants at Diamond Lake. Flaunt your contempt for those weeping about the welfare of others. Its all about you. About your rights. Your absolute freedom.

Jack Colwell is a columnist for The Tribune. Write to him in care of The Tribune or by email at jcolwell@comcast.net.

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Colwell: Unmask the perpetrators trying to trample on your constitutional freedoms - South Bend Tribune