If we were ranking Americans' civil liberties, we'd have to say that the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment (freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances) would rate at the top in terms of their importance.  Not to diminish the significance of all other liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments to the Constitution, but those five freedoms are at the core of our free republic.

Yet those five freedoms seem to be the targets of constant attack. 

In recent years, incumbent politicians have passed legislation that weakens your free speech and assembly rights at times when those freedoms are most important -- during elections.  As if they haven't silenced you enough, Congress is now considering new legislation that would make it even harder for you join with other citizens to petition your government.   The "free press" is becoming less free, thanks to federal prosecutors.  Activist judges seem to be on personal crusades to remove all references to religion from the public square.

Are Americans themselves to blame for the constant attacks on and recent erosion of our First Amendment rights?  Is it that we take these freedoms for granted?

According to a new survey commissioned by the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum, a mere one in four Americans can name more than one of the five freedoms outlined in the First Amendment.  Yet, more than half of all Americans can name at least two members of the television cartoon family "The Simpsons."  Twenty-two percent of Americans can name all five members of "The Simpsons" family, while only one -- yes, a whopping one -- in 1,000 people could name all five First Amendment freedoms. 

The telephone survey of 1,000 adults, which was conducted January 20 to January 22, also found that more Americans could name all three judges on the popular television show "American Idol," than recognize three First Amendment rights.  Nearly 20 percent of those surveyed believe the right to own a pet is protected by the First Amendment.

Don't get us wrong, we like "The Simpsons," our pets and up-and-coming pop stars as much as the next guy.  But, Americans must know what their freedoms are in order to protect them in the face of constant attack. 

So here it is: The First Amendment to the Constitution.  Learn it, memorize it, know it, fight for it.  For if we all don't, it will become meaningless.