Amendment I

"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."

I've spent a great deal of time studying the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 here in Africa in an effort to answer questions at work. That being said, a question was recently posed that I believe deserves attention. In essence, Can the comments made on my blog, negatively impact my fellowship? I don't know.

To date, I have purposefully and successfully avoided:

• Blogging about work
• Using peoples names that are not quoted somewhere else on the internet and beyond
• Politics
• Religion
• etc...

because I want to stay out of trouble. But if you've been around these parts you may remember that in the past, I have made comments about censorship and right to free speech.

I love my job. I love my blog. I love communicating with you. I love your comments. They keep me sane. They keep me connected to a life very very far away.

So, now I battle with my ethos. And the question is put on the table. Do I moderate comments before they are published (constantly in fear that someone may misconstrue something I didn't actually say)? Do I preach freedom of speech as an American value - and censor my friends?

It is difficult for me and I just don't know the answer. Honestly. Please, opinions.