The Constitution itself (before the amendments) has little to do with
human rights, it is more about setting up the structure of government in a way
that there are checks and balances so that no part of government can become “too
strong” and say do things like start a war without congressional approval. They did a dandy job, and they were in a
hurry, they had to put a real government in place and start functioning.
Then some of the smart guys who had been subjected to governmental
abuses under the British Government, determined that it was necessary to codify
the human rights that would preserve human dignity, and create the inventive
drive and productivity that would eventually allow the USA to become the greatest
country on earth. This is the freedom
and economic/rule of law setup that works, this is what create true
wealth. The military does not create
this freedom and prosperity, but when properly used, the military allows the
system to continue without outside threat, and that is it. The
military is not the “source” of our freedom and prosperity
James Madison drafted the first Bill of Rights.
1791 the Bill of Rights was officially adopted and became part of the
Basic Law of the Land. The implied
contract under which we live and toil, which provides stability to the idea
that there is a rule of law that will allow you to keep the benefits of your
creativity and productivity. This
Basic Law, this Implied Contract, which makes it all work out is one and the
same as the Constitution.
It is very hard to operate a Government when your hands are
tied/restricted by the rules that keep a free people, free. I hope those with an open mind can review
the below and think about the ramifications of all the current events,
especially in light of those in power who insist that we must give up freedom
to ensure “safety”, those who insist that it is OK for the Big Gov to spy on
every communication you have in order to protect you.
This is the central problem we face, in addition to a centuries long
buildup of too many rules and too many regulations that strangle businesses and
individuals.
Independence Day is about more than fireworks and parades, and a paid
holiday. Think on these things. AND READ THE BELOW.
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The first ten Amendments
are commonly known as the Bill of Rights.
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Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press,
Expression.
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.
Amendment
2 - Right to Bear Arms.
A well regulated Militia,
being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to
keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment
3 - Quartering of Soldiers.
No Soldier shall, in time of
peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time
of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment
4 - Search and Seizure.
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The
right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,
and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or
affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the
persons or things to be seized.
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Amendment
5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings.
No person shall be held to
answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or
indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval
forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public
danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in
jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness
against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due
process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without
just compensation.
Amendment
6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses.
In all criminal prosecutions,
the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial
jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed,
which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed
of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses
against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor,
and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment
7 - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases.
In Suits at common law, where
the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by
jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise
re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of
the common law.
Amendment
8 - Cruel and Unusual Punishment.
Excessive bail shall not be
required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments
inflicted.
Amendment
9 - Construction of Constitution.
The enumeration in the
Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage
others retained by the people.
Amendment
10 - Powers of the States and People.
The powers not delegated to
the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved
to the States respectively, or to the people.
