Our right to protest is not up for debate. It is protected by the First Amendment — because protest is how everyday people make their voices heard when the system fails them.

Let’s be clear: Peaceful protest is real, and it matters. It’s not chaos. It’s not a threat. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have in a democracy. It’s how civil rights were won. It’s how injustice is exposed. And it’s happening right now across in this country — by people demanding change, not destruction.

But, instead of listening, the government is responding with troops, riot gear and brute force. Peaceful protesters are being pushed back, demonized and arrested. California Sen. Alex Padilla — an elected official standing in solidarity — was even removed from a public press event. That is a shameful, dangerous message.

When the people protest peacefully and are still met with violence and silence, it shows us who those in power really fear: us.

We must defend the right to protest, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it challenges power. Because that’s exactly when it matters most.

There is nothing more American than standing up and saying, “Enough.”

Zakery Wiles

Greensburg

The writer is studying political science at Pitt Greensburg.

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