Since The Nation is complaining about Conservatives
shredding the Bill of Rights, I thought we should look at them. I suspect that
it is the Left that doesn't much care for the Bill of Rights.
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.
The Left seems to like about one half of this amendment. The really like not establishing, but they are routinely against the free exercise. Also, the "make no law" part has got to be the most ignored phrase in the Bill of Rights.
AMENDMENT II
A well regulated
militia, being necessary to the security of a free state
Oh, man. How the Left hates this amendment! Despite the recent supreme court ruling, they continue to insist that this right is a "group" right exercised at the behest of government conscription. But even this misses the point. The Bill of Rights is a list of additional government limits. It is are not intended to create rights or to describe the obligations or privileges on citizens.
Oh, man. How the Left hates this amendment! Despite the recent supreme court ruling, they continue to insist that this right is a "group" right exercised at the behest of government conscription. But even this misses the point. The Bill of Rights is a list of additional government limits. It is are not intended to create rights or to describe the obligations or privileges on citizens.
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.
As the police state advances inAmerica
As the police state advances in
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.
The Left tends to like this amendment, but in a limited sense. In fact, they have done a pretty good job in many cases by litigating the excesses of government. But they fall short as it applies to "papers" in the sense that our most private of documents and records are routinely required of us in the form of our tax return. This is an egregious violation of privacy.
The Left tends to like this amendment, but in a limited sense. In fact, they have done a pretty good job in many cases by litigating the excesses of government. But they fall short as it applies to "papers" in the sense that our most private of documents and records are routinely required of us in the form of our tax return. This is an egregious violation of privacy.
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.
Again, the Left has done some good work here for the most part, with the exception of the "takings" clause. This amendment was modified by the supreme court in the Kelo case in violation of the amendment process. "Public use" now means "public benefit." And "public benefit" is measured by the amount of tax revenue generated.
Again, the Left has done some good work here for the most part, with the exception of the "takings" clause. This amendment was modified by the supreme court in the Kelo case in violation of the amendment process. "Public use" now means "public benefit." And "public benefit" is measured by the amount of tax revenue generated.
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.
Much of this amendment has been rendered moot. We can safely delete the words "speedy," "impartial," and sometimes, "public," since they are no longer relevant.
Much of this amendment has been rendered moot. We can safely delete the words "speedy," "impartial," and sometimes, "public," since they are no longer relevant.
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
"Rules of the common law." Hmm. Not Sharia law? Not international law?
"Rules of the common law." Hmm. Not Sharia law? Not international law?
AMENDMENT VIII
Excessive bail shall
not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments
inflicted.
"Excessive fines," like the forfeiture of your house, bank accounts, or car if suspected of being a RICO? And of course, the definition of "cruel and unusual" is schizophrenic, where slight discomfort is cruel and unusual in some cases, but sending an American citizen to Gitmo is perfectly ok if the government suspects some sort of terrorist connection.
"Excessive fines," like the forfeiture of your house, bank accounts, or car if suspected of being a RICO? And of course, the definition of "cruel and unusual" is schizophrenic, where slight discomfort is cruel and unusual in some cases, but sending an American citizen to Gitmo is perfectly ok if the government suspects some sort of terrorist connection.
AMENDMENT IX
The enumeration in the
Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage
others retained by the people.
Here's another irrelevant amendment. Because of the faulty idea that the Bill of Rights is about the people, this amendment is the ugly sister. According to this amendment, the people are pre-eminent over government. This might be the most important amendment, and the most ignored.
Here's another irrelevant amendment. Because of the faulty idea that the Bill of Rights is about the people, this amendment is the ugly sister. According to this amendment, the people are pre-eminent over government. This might be the most important amendment, and the most ignored.
AMENDMENT X
The powers not
delegated to the United States
Hand-in-hand with Amendment IX is this one. This one also has been neutered by the Left, placing the federal government as the highest power. This is a reversal of the pyramid and a violation of this amendment.
Hand-in-hand with Amendment IX is this one. This one also has been neutered by the Left, placing the federal government as the highest power. This is a reversal of the pyramid and a violation of this amendment.
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