On this Fourth of July weekend, we're presenting a special laurel to the provision in our founding documents that makes what we do every day possible - the First Amendment. It ensures free expression for everyone in the nation - from newspapers to talk show hosts to bloggers. -- Journal Sentinel editorial.
Well and good -- except that what we celebrate on July 4 is the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776.
The Constitution was adopted in 1787. The First Amendment, along with the Bill of Rights, was ratified in 1791.
Their only connection is that they are "founding documents," according to the editorial.
It's understandable that newspapers like to remind people of the First Amendment at every opportunity, but tying it to Independence Day is quite a stretch.
Maybe the newpaper could add a question to its First Amendment quiz. Something like: Is the First Amendment part of the Declaration of Independence? Or do we think everyone knows that?