United States Bill of Rights - Articles - Zimbio

Citizens Outraged at Growing Government

Sat, 9 Nov 2008 17:57:00 GMT

posted by thadsta

Report by Paul Reynolds, CT Chapter

From Maine to Oregon and all across our increasingly regulated country, the citizenry is reacting with fury to a government which has broken all Constitutional bounds and grown into a tyrannical behemoth. What was supposed to be limited to virtually only foreign affairs, including national defense, and interstate commerce, the Federal Government has shaken off its Constitutional chains in order to police the daily lives of all Americans. Roger Denehey. of the government watchdog group Constitution Restoration League contends, “The Federal Government abuses taxation to regulate speed limits and drinking ages, abuses the Interstate Commerce clause to regulate self-subsistence farmers, and creates hysteria to pass such abhorrent unconstitutional laws as the USA PATRIOT Act.”

Reactions to the growing abuses of the Federal Government are growing in boldness. Demonstrations in New York City, Los Angeles, and all major cities in between are increasing in frequency despite the arrests and illegal detention of protestors. Additionally, anti-government graffiti is being found in inner cities and rural outposts alike. In the boldest move to date, an unknown group defaced Mt. Rushmore over the weekend, painting “the gov’t sux” in huge letters below the face of George Washington. Denehey, in commenting on the Rushmore graffiti suggested, “given the state of our government today, George, Tom, Abe, and Teddy would probably agree with the sentiment.”

We have the right to bear arms? Duh!

Wed, 26 Jun 2008 23:36:56 GMT

posted by TheBoBo

The Second Amendment says, “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.”

This is just my thoughts about today’s decision by the SCOTUS regarding the Second Amendment. This will probably be one of the shortest posts I’ve ever written since I think it was absolutely ludicrous that SCOTUS even had to address a very CLEARLY written amendment. Who do you think the Militia is? It is WE THE PEOPLE! In order to create a Militia, we need to have the right to keep and bear arms - that is exactly what it means and that is exactly how it was interpreted today.

This whole case was not about Heller vs. D.C., it was about socialist liberals, over-reaching governments with over-reaching laws, and radical judges trying to tell WE THE PEOPLE how to live our lives. Gun bans don’t prevent gun crimes, in fact, gun crimes increase when law abiding citizens cannot protect themselves - Just for instance - since we are talking about D.C., let’s use D.C. as an example - in 2007 - there were 143 murders gun-related murders. That must mean since the ban has been in effect since 1976 (more than 30 years) - the gun-related murder rate at that time must have been astronomical - since gun bans reduce crime right? Wrong - In 1976 there were 135 gun-related murders. Wow - that gun ban worked out well there didn’t it? (Source) Here’s how I feel:

1. NO SHIT!

2. WTF? DUH!

3. There were actually 4 Justices who voted against the 2d Amendment? That’s scary!

4. Based on #3 - We really need to be careful who we put on the bench! We were just 1 vote away from losing one of the most fundamental rights given to us in the constitution.

5. See Picture! The constitution would have given me the right to take up arms against the government using this baby had the Supreme Court tried to wield its judicial authority to usurp my rights and try to take it away from me!

FREE-DUMB of SPEECH * Bill of Wrongs!

Mon, 25 Sep 2007 02:33:29 GMT

posted by veritas227

It often appears that FREEDOM of SPEECH has outlived its usefulness in the United States of America. The First Amendment to the Constitution was added during the very infancy of the country when it was ratified on December 15, 1791. This first of the initial ten additions to the Constitution would be known as the Bill of Rights. The purpose of the Bill of Rights was to limit the powers of the central federal government, thereby protecting the rights of all citizens, residents and visitors on United States territory. This First Amendment was specifically written to guarantee the people freedom of speech, religion and the press.

I've come to realize over the years that people learn significantly more about life from listening than they do from talking. We've evolved into a society that only embraces the principles and philosophies of life we agree with. A classic example of this, is that a great many Americans acknowledge the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights is limited to their interpretation of the first two Amendments. For those not familiar with the Second Amendment, this provides for the people's right to keep and bear arms. I sometimes think a certain percentage of our populace interprets the first two amendments to mean they can take out one of their many guns and shoot anybody that expresses an opinion they find objectionable or don't agree with.

The true definition of Freedom of Speech is full acceptance of speech we vehemently oppose with every bit as much as fervor as speech we fully support. The true brilliance displayed by the framers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights was to afford the same freedom of expression to people or ideas we loathe, as those we cheer. A classic example of this concept is a citizen's right to express his/her displeasure with the country by burning a US flag in protest. Most Americans find this form of protest as an abhorrent spectacle. The First Amendment was designed to protect your rights to feel this way with the same protection afforded the flag burner. Freedom of Speech is not decided by majority vote but by individual expression. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the foundation of American democracy as written in the opening passage of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, when he wrote, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. This was a more eloquent way of stating that people we don't agree with have the same rights as people we do agree with.

This conveniently leads us into today. I have taken part in and heard television pundits discussing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's appearance at Columbia University in New York City earlier today. Much like George W. Bush and most other American politicians of both major political parties, he was evasive, ignored questions he didn't want to respond to by answering questions that weren't asked and attempted to put himself in only a positive light. A great many Americans cannot conceal their hatred towards Ahmadinejad. Just for the record, I have no use for the guy either. In an earlier post dated September 22nd, I was quite clear when expressing what little regard I personally hold for the guy. So what. Ahmadinejad doesn't live his life hoping to gain my or your approval. He's an admitted anti-semitic, anti-democratic and anti human-rights leader of a repressive regime. This gives him an expansive forum in which to express his hate filled views. Americans, if nothing else, can relate to the majority of Iranians who think their president is a dangerous, semi-literate lunatic. A great many educated people don't like our president or their president. Is that justification for not allowing either one of them to speak? Allowing them the public stage to highlight their own ignorance is the best way to minimize their future impact.

AHMADINEJAD BEFORE GROWING BEARD

If we only allow people whose views we share to speak out, then our government will officially cease being a democracy and morph into a dictatorship where Freedom of Speech will simply become speech. Instead of ignoring Ahmadinejad, listen carefully to what he says. Base your views on this guy by listening to him speak, as opposed to what you hear other people speak about him. That's what Freedom of Speech is. It emphasizes your freedom, by allowing you to embrace or denounce speech that democracy affords us. Narrow minded people have narrow, childish views. If you choose to align yourself with these people, eventually you'll become one of them. I'd rather align myself with all encompassing, educated views. I'll then be free to decide for myself which views I support and which views I don't.

FREE SPEECH MUST TOLERATE EVEN THIS

There's an old saying that tells us "every man is my superior in that I may learn from him". If you don't understand or accept this sentiment, you've probably made the choice that you've finished learning and are now as bright and insightful as you're ever going to be. That's your choice. That's your individual way of expressing your Freedom of Speech. Just don't try to make it anybody else's way of life. I listened to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today. I'm not angry at what he said at Columbia. I'm happy he had the opportunity to demonstrate what a self-delusional, narrow minded dictatorial grape-nut he truly is. The Iranian President metaphorically hanged himself with his own words. I can't quite put my finger on who he reminds me of, but sadly, I'm thinking it will come flooding back to me the next time our American President exercises his FREE-DUMB of SPEECH.........

WHEN DID PROTEST ZONES BECOME LEGAL?

Sun, 11 Aug 2008 04:39:13 GMT

posted by TomUsher

No-Graphics Print Version

Posted:
Sunday, August 10, 2008
@ 9:39:13 PM (PST)
By Tom Usher

Protest Zones are not legal under the U.S. Constitution. There is no place where political speech is allowed or not allowed in the U.S. Of course, there is the issue of disrupting other people's right to have their voices heard as well. There is also the issue of disturbing the peace in general. However, these protest zones are not designed with anything in mind but to put out of sight and out of mind the views of dissenters against the sole reign of the plutocrats.

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Is your Constitution toasted enough for ya?

Fri, 3 Mar 2007 20:41:00 GMT

posted by imaginethat

Oh yeah, sure, it's a question asked only by those right-wing, constitutionalist, conservative worry-warts. Everything's cool, right?

And besides, silly, if you keep your nose clean, it doesn't matter how many constitutional rights the government overrides. Only lawbreakers need to worry. Right?

Of course, most people misunderstand the reason our Founders initially created the Bill of Rights. The Madisons and Jeffersons weren't allocating rights to citizens. They acknowledged that all citizens had the God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, however skewed the latter has become.

The Bill of Rights is a list of restrictions placed on the powers of government. But hey, American history and civics ... pretty boring stuff. And, but hey again, keep your nose clean, and it's all academic anyway, right?

Besides, clean-nosed ostriches point out, we're at war. We're fighting "people" who, if they are successful, will subdue us and remove our freedom and our rights. So, it behooves us to do away with our freedoms and our rights, in the interest of protecting them, right?

Well, on that account, Bush and Congress have done a fine job. Here's the score as I see it:

Amendment I

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.

Well, so far, so good, but utterings to the contrary from highly placed individuals are heard. Dedicated political internet users have seen it, have seen an AP story critical of the administration simply ... disappear. So, the First is on the chopping block, but so far, for the most part, so good.

Amendment II

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.

Not so good. Our state militias, the National Guard, is being spent in Iraq. The rounding up of guns - in middle-class, white neighborhoods - following Katrina shows that the government already has made clear, that if it's "necessary" for _______ (fill in the blank), THEY reserve the "right" to confiscate guns.

Totally unconstitutional.

Amendment III

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.

See, we're in a war, so, clearly, by declaring a war with no foreseeable end, the government explicitly has this right. Your house. And, they know it.

A side benefit of "holy," "patriotic," unending war.

Amendment IV

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.

This one's toast, history, slayed by the Patriot Act (PA) and the Military Commissions Act (MCA). Never heard of those, or, if you have, no problem, just keep a clean nose? Wrong. We are witnesses to - those of us who are awake anyway - the Bill of Rights being incrementally repealed. The repealers are counting on citizen ignorance, and indifference. If you haven't, examine the PA and MCA; see what experts in constitution law - liberals and conservatives - have to say.

Amendment V

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.

The MCA outlines how a citizen can be declared a non-citizen, how it requires no disclosure of evidence (ooo, it's top secret) or identification of incriminating witnesses (gotta protect sources), as it specifies which forms of torture are acceptable. Yep, parts of this one are suspended, because ... yep, we're at war.

Amendment VI

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 defense.

More toast please? See Amendment V. The Patriot Act and the MCA the culprits, again. Your trial could be speedier than you imagined.

Amendment VII

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 reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Good for now, I think. I better blow my nose, though, keep it clean....

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Hmmm. Makes me wonder, are all of the approved methods of torture noted in the MCA now considered "usual" punishments? I'm not really an expert on torture.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Oh yeah. This one applies only if people are paying attention. Otherwise, your rights are indeed subject to denial, and disparagement. Happens all the time. Busy people with clean noses are positive: no problem here. All's well, you pessimist.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved for the States respectively, or to the people.

In theory. In practice, the states and the people have been forced to aggressively defend their rights. Today, the usurpation of rights by the federal government, by and large, is considered "normal." Oh and hey, when the country's at war, well, you know, the feds are compelled to take away our rights, to defeat enemies who'd take away our rights.

Sigh ... slow torture....

Please forgive me for repeating myself, but take clear note: If the government declares you or me a terrorist, a power unambiguously assigned to the president and the secretary of defense by the MCA, you or I would be stripped of citizenship, and thus lose all protection from government power, as enumerated in the Bill of Rights.

The majority of people seem OK with the eviscerations so far imposed upon our Bill of Rights, because everybody knows the ranks of government are populated with people of high moral standards and impeccable integrity, and besides, the truth is, if you keep a clean nose, you're cool anyway. Just be a good American citizen, and please, stop saying all those mean things about our beloved president and our exemplary Congress, you pessimist.

Sure ... I'm just kidding. As the damage done by termites often doesn't show until severe structural damage has occurred, our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, are being slowly, incrementally, eroded. All looks good now to the clean-nose crowd, but ... it's not.