I’m a little surprised.  For the first three parts of by diatribe, the only comments have been words of support.  I was expecting someone to take offense ..  I guess the bubbas, dittoheads and other non-thinkers are otherwise occupied.  I can think of three reasons – I’m making good sense; they haven’t been told what to think; or I’m being ignored. 

It’s most likely the last one, but that’s OK as I’m still going to speak my mind.

You Liberals think that … Part 4 (Civil Liberties)

I believe that all humans have certain inalienable rights.  When those rights are trampled on – regardless of who is the trampler and who is the tramplee – men and women of good conscience need to stand up and support them.  That's why I support the ACLU and other civil liberties groups.  If one person or group is being denied their civil rights then what is to prevent our own rights from being taken away?

The Bill of Rights

I fully support the first ten amendments to the constitution and the rights that are enshrined in them.  I support them for everyone – not just US citizens and not just for people in the US.  (In case you need to review them, go here.)  Just to make myself clear, here are some comments on some of the rights most commonly argued over:

Freedom of Religion – Each person has a right to worship God, or not, in any manner they see fit.  No one has the right to impose their religious beliefs on anyone. 

When it comes to the battle over the separation of Church and State, I side with the Civil Libertarians.  I look at it this way – how would I feel if a Public institution, funded by my tax dollars, expressed religious beliefs I disagree with?  If you’re Christian, who would you feel with a Muslim prayer being broadcast before your high school football game?  Well, it’s exactly the same for non-Christians… and sorry, but that’s the way the Constitution is written and interpreted.  If you don’t like it, feel free to leave.

Freedom of Speech – I have the right to say anything I want about any topic I want.  So do you.  So does everyone.  Now, I have no problem with restrictions against speech inciting violence or panic – that’s common sense.  I will support, with all my strength, your right to say any damn fool thing you want – no matter how offensive to me personally.  Likewise, I have every right to reply back to you.  Speaking my mind is not un-patriotic – it’s my right … and sorry, but that’s the way the Constitution is written and interpreted.  If you don’t like it, feel free to leave.

Freedom of Assembly and to Petition the Government – Each person, or group of people are free to peaceably assemble in groups as they see fit, they are free to protest government actions and other grievances.  This is not the freedom to protest unpopular things only nor is it the freedom to only assemble in approved locations or with approved people… and sorry, but that’s the way the Constitution is written and interpreted.  If you don’t like it, feel free to leave. 

Right to Bear Arms – Each of us has the right to own a gun.  I personally have never exercised that right – but I can.  I have no problem with restrictions such as background checks or waiting periods – it’s like with Speech – guns can be dangerous so maybe a couple common sense restrictions are needed.  This amendment does not say that we have the right to buy a gun with the same ease that we would buy a loaf of bread just that we have the right to one … and sorry, but that’s the way the Constitution is written and interpreted.  If you don’t like it, feel free to leave.

Other Rights and Responsibilities

I don't believe that every inherent Right is enshrined in the US Constitution.  There are other basic rights and responsibilities tha t are also inherent to all humans:

Each person has the right to live their life as they see fit so long at they do not harm others.

Each person has the right to live their life with dignity and the right to end that life in a dignified manner.

Each person has the right to earn a living wage and to support their family.

Each person has the right to determine for themselves who comprises that family.

Each person is responsible for their own actions.

Each person is responsible for everything that happens in the world.

Each person has the responsibility to uphold the rights of all other people.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:  I’m not always right, but that’s what I believe.