The results of this poll (read: random telephone survey of 1,000 adults) are remarkable. Those polled said that the First Amendment grants folks the right to drive a car or to raise a pet or to have a public education.
But Americans know their pop culture icons. They same poll revealed that higher numbers are familiar with "Paula Abdul" and "The Simpsons" than they are with their rights. Maybe Simon Cowell could use that memorable British accent of his to read this to idle Americans:
"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 petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
