Depends entirely on your definition of free speech doesn't it? Maybe you could get all worked up about the meaning of "shall not be infringed" as well.
Political protest IS the reason for freedom of speech. The government cannot jail you for your opinions and for expressing them. Courts had affirmed,ed that carrying signs, wearing slogan’s on shirts, matching and burin gin flags are protected “speech.” It never ceases to amaze me when some conservatives chose government restrictions over freedom.