by Kenneth A. Paulson

About the author: Kenneth A. Paulson is senior vice president of the First Amendment Center, a nonprofit organization that advocates freedom of the press and freedom of speech.

It was a classic American moment: the San Francisco Giants on the field, the national anthem on the public address system—and one jerk on his cell phone.

While thousands around him doffed their hats and turned to the flag before the game began, this man, who appeared to be in his mid-30s, kept both his baseball cap and his cell phone on, oblivious to the ceremony.

He also was oblivious to the angry reactions of those around him. Fans glared at him, and at the close of the song, several muttered about the lack of...