It seems that today, way too many people get confused over what is and isn't free speech.  The founders of this great country felt very strongly about free speech and, in their wisdom, addressed this question first in their Amendments to the Constitution.

            Arguably, we may indeed have the best free speech rights of any country in the world.  But, way too many folks have trouble telling the difference between free speech and violence.

            The First Amendment clearly states: "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."

            Nowhere does it state that anyone has the right to harm or threaten to harm others, destroy or damage another's property, or step on the legal rights of others while you express yourself,

            The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) gives the following guidelines for protests.  However, I might add that they forgot the word "peaceful" in their outline: Our rights are strongest in what are known as "traditional public forums," such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for;

            Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. The government may not restrict your speech if it is taking place on your own property or with the consent of the property owner;

            Counterprotesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another;

            When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, the owner may set rules related to photography or video;

            You don't need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don't obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don't have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons;

            Certain types of events may require permits. These include a march or parade that requires blocking traffic or street closure; a large rally requiring the use of sound amplifying devices; or a rally over a certain size at most parks or plazas;

            While certain permit procedures require submitting an application well in advance of the planned event, police can't use those procedures to prevent a protest in response to breaking news events;

            Restrictions on the route of a march or sound equipment might violate the First Amendment if they are unnecessary for traffic control or public safety, or if they interfere significantly with effective communication to the intended audience;

            A permit cannot be denied because the event is controversial or will express unpopular views; and

            If the permit regulations that apply to your protest require a fee for a permit, they should allow a waiver for those who cannot afford the charge.

            But, most importantly, remember, there is a difference between speech and violence.