Several months ago, I read yet another book about President Abraham Lincoln and was reminded of the epic Lincoln/Douglas debates. Without question, those seven events were designed to generate publicity. Yet they are vital pieces of American history, edifying for their intelligence and vigor, as well as for the example they provide.

I don't write about Lincoln and Douglas simply for history's sake, but rather to remind us of the enduring vitality of this nation's First Amendment. No matter how people behave in today's America, the first of our 27 constitutional amendments--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

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