The Ku Klux Klan has existed since the mid-19th century. There were millions of Klan members, while today they do not have the same influence as in the past. What has stopped changing is that the media portrays the Ku Klux Klan as a hateful group of bigots who only want to wipe out any non-white race. However, the media has not only exposed many misunderstandings, but also fails to realize that the Klan is actually within the constitutional rights of the United States. Because the Bill of Rights guarantees American citizens freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, the Ku Klux Klan has the right to continue its practices. That said, barring some violent outbursts conducted by Klan subgroups, no one has the right to stop the KKK from protesting, expressing their beliefs, or celebrating their heritage. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Ku Klux Klan was founded in May 1866, in Pulaski, Tennessee by six veterans of the Confederate Army. The Klan's early years of existence focused primarily on restoring white power in government. The Klan often spoke out against the Radical Republicans, the political party that most supported the rights of former slaves. At first the Klan seemed relatively harmless. But as time went on, so-called white supremacists showed how far they were willing to go to satisfy their desire for America to return to its old ways. According to Klan members, the only requirement to join the organization is to be Christian. As they see it, America is under attack from immigrants and foreign groups. It seems to them that it is not right for races to mix because we would all merge into one "brown" race. The highest ranking members of the KKK are said to be guided by divine providence... middle of the paper... opportunity, and rightly so. The KKK has provided more than enough confirmation as to why they believe they are simply attempting to save the white race. Our ancestors were white, and if the Klan points out that not mixing races in terms of marriage would preserve American culture, it is actually a justified statement from that point of view. Even though many people, including myself, would disagree with their opinions, the Klan has the right to hold its beliefs. The Bill of Rights will always be relevant. They were written with the best interests of our citizens in mind. It was our forefathers' responsibility to ensure that our country would always be free, even centuries after the amendments were written. The Klan, while its beliefs may not be those of the general public, has and will always have the right to preach its opinions.