The good news is that no longer do almost half of America's citizens think the First Amendment "goes too far" in guaranteeing rights. The bad news is that 30% still do.

The 2004 First Amendment survey represents a return to pre-September 11 hysteria, but still reflects a nation in which many do not believe in free expression or in a free press. There is also a significant difference between what people say they believe and what they want to see put into practice. For example, nearly 80% of those surveyed believe the press has a government watchdog role, yet 40% believe the press has too much freedom.

One of the more frightening results of the survey is that 41% of those responding believe that the press should not be allowed to freely criticize the American military.

The idea that all persons and institutions have an equal right to nonviolently express their beliefs is a fundamental tenet of any democratic form of government, but it is not one that goes over well with many Americans. We have failed miserably in teaching people that at any time, for any reason, they could suddenly be part of the minority voice. When that happens, they will want their First Amendment rights, just as they will desperately want due process rights the day they are arrested for political reasons, or for crimes they didn't commit.