I am tired of hearing about the sanctity of Second Amendment rights and then reading about the “violence” and “abuse” of First Amendment rights as expressed in letters “First Amendment doesn’t protect criminal behavior” (June 27, TribLive) and “Protests don’t look peaceful” (June 18, TribLive).

To respond to the first letter, Sen. Alex Padilla did announce who he was when he tried to question puppy-killer Kristi Noem about President Trump’s immigration policies and was in a state building where he was known and had every right to be. He was not disturbing the peace, and the goons who took him down were using intimidation tactics for all of our benefit.

As for the second letter, has the author attended any of the protests at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in April through June? If she had, she would only have seen joy, love and a sincere effort of those of us who think our democratic government and civil liberties are worth saving against the current fascist regime. Start watching something besides right-wing news outlets and see what is really happening in your community before you start throwing stones.

The Second Amendment does not override the First Amendment.

Elizabeth Veronica Weaver

Hempfield

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