Bill Of Rights Argument Analysis

Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the most important document in American history, the Bill of Rights. Peaceful protesting uses this right and is the most effective method of bringing about change. Peaceful protest, on balance, have done more good than bad for society. To assess the benefits that nonviolent protests can have, we can look to the age old example of Martin Luther King, as well as with the more modern example of the North Dakota Pipeline protest. Dr. Martin Luther King, following the nonviolence methods preached by Gandhi, led a multitude of instances of civil disobedience. The bravery of King and other protesters to stand (or in many cases, march) in firm opposition to a society that was denying them rights that were guaranteed
Building upon the beliefs hinted at by Thoreau in Civil Disobedience, the indigenous people of North Dakota’s Sioux tribe believe that a government should follow the will of the people and if it does not then the people should oppose the will of the government. The United States’ government has been backing the construction of the pipeline thus far despite its infringement on lands owned by the Sioux that are supposed to be protected by that very same government. In response to the government turning a blind eye to the situation, the protesters have gathered at construction sites and organized sit-ins that slow down building. These nonviolent demonstrators have gotten national attention. In fact, to further the Thoreau comparison, over 250 protesters have been arrested and are being held in jail for their civil disobedience by demonstrating at the construction site. While this has not led to any formal government legislation yet, it has gotten the attention of high ranking officials such as Senator Bernie Sanders who wrote a letter to President Obama asking him to take