More than ever, the world is quite a hectic place right now. With yet another extreme act of terror, a mass shooting, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the world has spiraled. Many debates have arisen regarding the government’s actions, the President’s actions, gun control, school safety, and many more. Many people from all walks of life have spoken up about the issues surrounding our nation today.

Last week, American TV and radio talk show host and political commentator, Laura Ingraham, appeared on live television to lash out at NBA superstar LeBron James. James, in an interview with the talk show The Undefeated, made a comment about how President Donald Trump is doing a poor job and “does not [care about the people].” Kevin Durant, another NBA All- Star, was part of the interview and made similar comments to James’ sentiment. The two famous athletes conversed about our government today and how our nation is on the decline.

The comments these two made, all of which were undoubtedly true, were critiqued and frowned upon by Laura Ingraham, who proceeded to say in her interview on TV that LeBron James should “shut-up and dribble”.

This remark that Laura Ingraham had the audacity to say on live television, or any place for that matter, is an undeniable and outright shame and threat to our First Amendment. Junior Daniel Choi put it best, stating, “[she] decided to attack and bash the community, specifically the NBA.”

Ingraham is trying to put a blanket statement on the NBA and professional athletes that they are unintelligent and cannot express political views. LeBron James is one of the most well- known basketball players of all- time, but that isn’t the only reason he is a key figure in society today. He has donated MILLIONS of dollars to children and has become a role model for all young individuals around the world today, and is the VOICE for these young people who do not have a voice similar to his, or opportunities similar to his.

People such as LeBron James, who are fortunate enough to have their opinions heard worldwide, pave the path for young kids like us. In a world struggling so much, every person’s opinion, right or wrong, is valuable. Change only occurs when people speak up and voice their opinions. Our country was founded on a democracy where everyone’s views are equally as important.

Whether you are a basketball player, lawyer, doctor, it does not matter. We all have the same government, a Congress, a Senate, a House. We all have the right to speak up. Laura Ingraham, by making this comment, you are disregarding LeBron James and the right of all citizens of this country to speak up and spark change in our nation. Change is needed, and change will only come if people like Laura Ingraham accept the fact that voicing opinions is the path to progress.