The Ku Klux Klan has existed since the mid-19th century. The Klan has had millions of members at times, but today they don't have as much influence as they once did. What has stopped changing is that the media portrays the Ku Klux Klan as a hate group of bigots only wanting to eliminate everything in existence. non-white race. However, the media has not only exposed many misconceptions, but also fails to realize that the Klan is actually within America's constitutional rights. 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 being said, with the exception of some outbursts of violence carried out by Klan subgroups, no one has the right to stop the KKK from protesting, expressing its beliefs, or celebrating its heritage. GENERAL INFORMATION The Ku Klux Klan was founded in May 1866, in Pulaski, Tennessee by six veterans of the Confederate Army. The early years of the Klan's existence were primarily focused 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 over time, so-called white supremacists have shown how far they are willing to go to satisfy their desire to see America return to its old ways. According to Klan members, the only requirement to be part of the organization is to be a Christian. They say America is under attack from immigrants and foreign groups. To them, it seems that it is not right for the races to mix, because we would all merge into one “brown” race. The highest ranking members of the KKK are said to be led by divine providence... middle of paper... opportunity, and rightfully so. The KKK has sufficiently validated the reasons they believe they are simply trying to save the white race. Our ancestors were white, and while the Klan claims that not mixing races in terms of marriage would preserve American culture, it is actually a justified statement from that point of view. Although many people, including myself, would disagree with their opinions, the Klan has the right to its own beliefs. The Bill of Rights will always be relevant. They were written with the best interests of our citizens in mind. It was the responsibility of our ancestors to ensure that our country would still be free, even centuries after the amendments were written. The Klan, even if its beliefs are not those of the general public, has and always will have the right to preach its own opinions..