"Freedom of Speech" Does it mean what it says?

It also says "the right of the people peaceably to assemble".

We have a lot of police-state tactics going unquestioned. Jefferson foresaw such things as being inevitable and said we should have a revolution every few years to keep it in check.

The government can put some rules down for your exercise of free assembly and free speech, so that you don't interfere with the rights of others to move around the area, conduct business, etc.

As long as the permit process is reasonable, it is constitutional.

You are not going to like my answer and it si not going to be a popular answer either.

Freedom of speech comes with responsibility. It doesn't give you the right to yell "fire" in a crowded theater. FOS does not mean you can say what you want when you want it. There are consequences. The whole idea of FOS is that you have the right to question the Government if you do not agree with its decisions. Unfortunately FOS has been misconstrued by people thinking that they can say whatever they want and not be held responsible.

Permits are necessary to ensure that there will be no trouble. In case of trouble and destruction of property, the organizers will be held responsible.

If it is a legal gathering it city, county or State Law may demand it, in order to demonstrate legally.

No, especially with the Patriot Act in force. You can be jailed and stripped of all your rights, if the government declares you a terrorist, so watch what you say .

You still have the freedom to speak your mind, you just have to go through B.S. to do it.

Freedom of speech... You run your mouth on Answers! everyday and don't get harassed legally for it.

yo dude, you need a permit to make an a*ss of yourself.go figure?