Now I know that while we will not likely have a President who is this bold and states the facts so clearly in the White House it would be very nice. Before the President of the United States of America takes office he gives an oath and it is as follows:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
And Congress also takes an oath of office which is as follows:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Both oaths are very important especially in relation to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Part of that is also the Bill of Rights and it is generally recognized that the first ten approved amendments were to be INDIVIDUAL rights and not collective rights minus the tenth amendment which delegates any powers not specifically granted to the Federal Government are rights of the states or the people. These are also the amendments that were meant to be unchanged. The press really would rather only worry about the parts where they make money which is the first amendment and the parts of free speech and freedom of the press itself. Beyond that they are more than willing to allow congress or the president to make any changes as long as it does not affect their ability to work. I know that these rights are ALL very worthwhile and their application to an individual person is very important for if we change that and apply those rights collectively we then have to have someone decide which collective deserves those rights, in doing so we have undermined those rights for anyone who would choose to use them to speak against another or to defend against another. How would you feel if your freedom of religion was only for a few specific religions? I am sure a lot of people would not be very happy if their choices were limited to being a practicing Quaker, Catholic, or Protestant in the United States but that is EXACTLY what could happen if those rights are only held collectively. The majority would rule and anyone who wanted or tried to practice say, Buddhism would be subject to persecution. And then the right to a public trial being a collective right would be denied to you as you chose to not be a part of a collective group. . .
The freedoms we have here are protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and if we do not use them or ensure that the elected officials who swear to abide by and protect them do so then we will end up losing them. There is also a reason why the only amendment ever instated was also the only amendment ever repealed and that was the prohibition of alcohol, it was instated under the theory that by ridding the United States of alcohol that it would nearly eliminate crime. If you look at the prohibition era you will find that the exact opposite is the case. Can you just imagine how the criminals will rejoice if the second amendment is repealed or severely cripled?
Amendment I
Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly
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 II
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 III
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 IV
Search and arrest
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.
Amendment V
Rights in criminal cases
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 offence 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 VI
Right to a fair trial
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 VII
Rights 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 VIII
Bail, fines, punishment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
Rights retained by the People
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
States' rights
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.
Stay safe out there America. The crazies are always out on the prowl.
