By Marie Brown
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Overviews appear in Google Search and assisted me in finding the definition of Freedom of Speech. This is a reminder that this act of communication is protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. There are, however, some exceptions, including things like incitement, true threats, defamation, and others.
As a reminder to the many readers of this column, I am employed by the Monroe City Council as a Council Research Coordination/Aide. Over the past months, I have written about many concerns nationally, statewide, and locally. This is a natural position for me because, as a community activist for years, I have received hundreds of calls, texts, and emails from the public concerning issues needing to be addressed. Some of my columns have been positive and others have been deemed negative. However, all of them have been factual.
The interesting thing is… that I have experienced very little support when I have written positive things about the local community! However, when factual things are expressed that do not pass the taste test, there are calls to fire or sanction me. I work for all 5 members of the Monroe City Council, however, most of my work is in districts 3, 4 and 5 because of the most need, including but not limited to low to moderate income residents, dilapidated houses, as well as tall grass.
Please let me know your thoughts on my columns. Regardless of what the future has for me, ” I will continue to Love where I Live and Live where I Love!”
