Happy Bill of Rights Day!
by John LoudonIt is axiomatic that if you do not know your rights it is difficult to exercise them. Celebrating Bill of Rights Day is one way to create a broader understanding of this critical piece of the American fabric. So if you are reading this post, you are likely interested in knowing what you can do. In light of the monumental efforts of this Congress to grow the Federal government and, in the process, reduce our rights, all freedom loving Americans should consider doing something special to celebrate this Day.
December 15th, is the anniversary of the 1791 ratification. The brilliance of the Bill of Rights, is that it was not merely an enumeration of specific freedoms, but it was a list of restraints on the government that elevated individual liberties to a level unique in the World. It built on a uniquely western principle that certain individual rights were given by God himself and that no government could legitimately encroach on them.
A close friend who is both a gun collector and an attorney first made me aware of the Bill of Rights Day project in 1999. It was an initiative of the organization Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO) that called for legislative bodies across the country to adopt “official day” provisions. In 2000, Democrats controlled both Chambers in my Legislature so passage was a challenge. Trumpeting the fact that a gun group was pushing the proposal seemed unwise. What was extremely heartening is the bipartisan support I received as a Senator in 2001. Some of my hardest left colleagues proudly signed on. Alas, I was not able to get the Legislation through the Democrat controlled House until 2002 when Democrat Senator Kennedy joined me as a co-sponsor; Harry Kennedy.
In order to promote the “official day”, our legislation called for special reading of the bill of rights in public schools and courtrooms and in both chambers of the general assembly. The JPFO maintains a website of which states are on board and which are laggards. Where does your state stand?
It is not enough to pass a law to encourage recognition or awareness and hope nature takes its course. That is where the Bill of Rights Institute comes in, doing a tremendous job of developing first rate instructional materials and teaching guides and hosting seminars all across the Country.
As you push for a Bill of Rights day recognition in your community or State, your likely to get a snarky question about whether passage means another day of for government workers. In concluding his 1998 essay lauding the JPFO effort, James Bovard states that “Celebrating the Bill of Rights day is a superb idea — as long as not a single government employee gets another paid holiday in the bargain”. Amen. Our less freedom-loving members of Congress who clearly do not understand this principle just voted an 8% pay increase for federal workers to be paid for by our grandchildren. Maybe the civic-minded Congress is just baiting you into taking action.
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51 Comments
That is so cool that the Bill of Rights has a birth date. With what is going on the senate it looks like it will have a death date very soon.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vince Humphreys and DRIP USA, AZ grassroots. AZ grassroots said: Happy Bill of Rights Day! http://bit.ly/5B54fr #dripusa #ocra #tcot [...]
We may be at its wake next year! It looks like we are watching its death throes at this very moment.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by DRIPusa: Happy Bill of Rights Day!: It is axiomatic that if you do not know your rights it is difficul.. http://bit.ly/5B54fr
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Do we still have rights?
The simple things still matter. Compare the Bill of Rights to the gargantuan Health Care Bill. Words matter, not reams of wasted paper.
Maybe a copy of this should be sent to everyone in DC along with all 17 pages of the US Constitution. Give these guys and gals a week to read it, yes a week we all know how dense they are and then the best part. Make them take a test on the Bill of Rights and Constitution, if they get one answer wrong their outta there! When we have ppl like Landrieu and Pelosi belittling being asked where in the Constitution does Congress get the power to do the things they do its clear they have no respect for it or the people. As a matter of fact I agree 100% with Pat Cadell that these people have nothing but contempt for the American people. Its power,money and control they want. Take notice of how many are prepared to give up their seat and not run in 2010, thats because right now they are setting up private sector positions via the pork and general BS being built into all these bills they are ramming down Americans throats! Dont let these people off the hook ride them hard put them under a microscope, they want to act high and mighty and want celeb status… then treat them that way! How many celebs can't walk out their door b/c of a camera in their face or someone somewhere keeping tabs on them. But just dont stop with politicians, its the fringe media and special interest group leaders that need this kind of treatment as well! Its time for the people to do the same. Its time for corrupt politicians, bias fringe media and special interest groups to get a "lethal" dose of their own medicine through http://www.savingtherepublic.com
This should be shouted from the rooftops! Lest we forget! My children will be memorizing them tonight! Thank you for this important reminder!
If I had my way every citizen would be given a test on the constitution and it's meaning before being allowed to vote in a federal election, 100% or too bad for you, states can do what they want.
Run for office or a judge and you not only get a more rigorous test but we make all your attempts public record, less than 100% you don't get to run or sit on the bench and it has application questions as well.
If you pass then you sign an oath, not just mouth it, and it woudl be understood that you would be executed if you vary from any of your answers in the application of creating legislation and or approving it of it, dont like the consttution, then change it or shut the heck up.
When someone like Nancy P or Harry Scum Bag Ried tried to do and end-run around it the house "Headsman" would simply shake their head "No" and draw their finder across their throat.
The first two I am completely serious about, the 3rd should have immediate dismissal as the punishment and banned for life from politics and law, the last part just made me laugh, old crazy eyes would never have bothered running…
Mr. Loudon,
What is the point of even discussing the Bill of Rights these days when there is genuine CONGRESSIONAL ANARCHY to the United States Constitution going on this very moment and because what obviously appears to be a CODE OF SILENCE exercised by Congress in collusion with the MSM, has the makings of a NATIONWIDE MASS CONSPIRACY perpetrated upon the taxpaying American people by none other than our very own government! This is news but the people who are supposed to be behind the news won't report it. What is the deal with that? This is an example of why there is growing anger in America by it's citizens. The citizens are being played for fools and idiots by this government and we are fed up and tired of it! WE are now discussing the invocation of the JEFFERSON PRINCIPLE, matters have finally reached that point. If Congress does not stand down with their never ending contempt towards the American people I predict that there will be a time when the people will rise and there will once again be a civil war in America! It could get ugly!
The government will tell you that you do, but then treat you as if you don't!
I am in agreement with you! I've been saying the same thing for some time now. Let me add this though, every candidate for a political office or judgeship must submit a formal essay to their local newspapers ( in the fashion of the Federalist Papers) telling the public what the U.S. Constitution means to them. And then that essay will go on the public records to hold that candidate accountable to their words!
Absolute simple brilliance, something that the modern politician, academic, simply can’t grasp. To a statist like Barry , the government can’t get big enough, and the “Bill of Rights” are an impediment – - I think he described it as a, “list negative rights.” Unbelievable!
Bill… schmill. Who cares when the judicial branch is in your pocket. Who is to challenge those in power, you little patriots with your handguns? Feh.
Do you not hear Senator Akaka:
When asked if there was a specific part of the Constitution that gives Congress the authority to make people buy health insurance, Akaka said: “Not in particular with health insurance. It’s not covered in that respect. But in ways to help citizens in our country to live a good life, let me say it that way, is what we’re trying to do, and in this case, we’re trying to help them with their health.”
Do you hear this citizens, this tyrant says in plain language, 'fuck the constitution we will do what we think is best.'
Are you worried yet? I am.
Do any of you not see the similarities between this and the Russian revolution of 1912?
Starts with unpopular war. Small but vocal and radical leftist movement. Willing population that just accepts 'change' and bends over. Charismatic demagogue. New Economic Program. 5 year plan.
On and on.
Citizens, what is to be done?
Thank you so much for reminding me.
Meanwhile Google Eric Schmidt reminds us all to celebrate Esperanto:
http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID14552/...
Google/Schimdt dedicated their main page honoring the 150th birthday of L.L. Zamenhof – founder of Esperanto – they even have a flag which I didn't know about. One of the Soros' founded an Esperanto language/literary magazine. They're all prepared for our future role as serfs but only if you're fit and able.
“Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is in prison."
Henry David Thoreau
When Congress and our President in-slave us into indentured servitude for health care, Government is placing us under their control. We shall be imprisoned under Government control in what use to be our personal lives.
We are offered prison if we do not take up the Governments law of health care. Government does not understand, that many of us know the only two options Government offered us was: Prisoner of body, or Prisoner of our Soul.
The OTHER bill Congress never reads…
http://www.cafepress.com/rightwingstuff/6892437
"LOCK and LOAD", it's not just coincidence that because of high demand the ammo shelves are low on supply. Stock up when you can! People are gearing up for a modern day civil war declared upon the American people by the American government. And you know what, I can't help but think sometimes that a civil war is what Obama wants!
Impeach Obama Campaign Truck Caravans
http://www.impeachobamacampaign.com/
First truck rolling will be in the belly of the beast, Washington, DC, then nationwide.
A truck can go anywhere… any time… that's what makes it a better mousetrap.
Let’s face it: the Mainstream Media and the Obama Administration excel at stifling free speech. They reject any material that doesn’t fit with their views.
Impeach Obama large billboards mounted on rented trucks cannot be refused by ABC or NBC or CBS or CNN or by your local television station, local newspapers.
Please help us take this message of our firm resolve to uproot this Obamanation (which is threatening to destroy everything that has made our country great), across America.
I've been saying this for years now !
One minor correction he's going to help OTHERS to YOUR money and TAKE A PIECE for himself along the way in order to BUY more votes so he continue to do the same.
The mob at least admits they are criminals, these people pretend they are saints
Disgusting
Are you talking about the original 10 or the 16th amendment which is actually 60,000 pages long and includes the IRS?
Yes, thanks to the progressives (socialists) we have the IRS, Direct Elections of US Senators, and a frozen 435 membership in the House of Reps. I'm thankful for the original 10 but not the rest, sorry. I forgot to add Republicans in power whio have done nothing to change that since 1913 and are now destorying gun ownership and rights, thank you GOP!
You may be right Jeff. That is why we fight. Is that your cat btw?
Surprisingly, today also is the anniversary of George Washington's leaving this mortal coil.
For a wonderful take on the, imo, greatest American, ever, check out Mike Mcneal's Impearls!
http://impearls.blogspot.com/2009_12_13_archive.h...
I'm proud to be a JPFO member.
ya'l just bring you goodies to the REPUBLIC OF TEXAS……..we have a no retreat law.
I by no means defend or support BO when I say this, but the term "negative rights" is technically correct. Put simply, a negative right is the right to be left alone. It restrains government. Conversely, a positive right obligates government to provide it. Positive rights are the ingredients for a nanny state. The postive/negative polarity is from the government's perspective. Positive rights empower the government and weaken individuals' self-determination.
The sad part is, that every person in Washington took an OATH to serve and protect the people of this country…it seems like every politician has turned a deaf ear to their own words!!
Nancy Pelosi's words right after the election, "We won, we can do what we want"…I know she just wanted to say "screw you" to the American people, and they are trying harder and faster than any administration to put the 'screws' to us..if we don't stop them first….
Losing Sen. Loudon is the tragic part of term limits , but having people like Sen. Loudon is why our side will win in the end .
~I am John Galt
Do you actually believe our leaders, (President, Congress, House) actually believes in our history (this stuff)???
Thinking_Man
You earn your title.
The Chinese have a tradition of naming the years. 'Year of the Tiger', etc.
This last year for America has been the 'Year of Attack on Freedom'.
Next year may well be 'The Year of Rebellion on Tyrants'.
More like "Rites" as in last rites.
See the problem? If the 2010 election were to come we would (should?) press treason charges against the Senate members, House Members, and the President, Vice-President, the CZARS, etc., etc. This will not be allowed to occur, so the 2010 elections must be stopped and a dictatorship set up! Watch for a state of emergency, none like we have ever seen before. Riots? Look what happened to riots in Russia, China, etc., etc. Remember Mao's China in their model!
We as taxpaying citizens of America are supposed to get in return for those paid taxes a "representative form of government" Now I ask…Has your representative represented you lately? I think not! The American people are telling the government we don't want this stupid health care bill, but like the tyrants and dictators that they are acting like ( which is anti -American and therefore treasonous conduct), they continue to ram down the throats of all Americans this health care plan as if it's a matter of life or death! These people in Washington are sick and insane with power and need to be removed from office! They have worn out their usefulness!
Our rights are inalienable and come from our creator. Thus, though it may feel otherwise, they cannot be taken away. We, however, need to always fight for them, assert them constantly, and remind those who would believe they grant us our rights and are above reproach that they do not and are not.
Unfortunately the only way to get tyrants out of office is by force! I hate to see it come to that…but if they refuse to listen…bring it on!!!
[...] Happy Birthday, Bill of Rights Examiner: Happy Bill of Rights Day John Louden, Big Government: Happy Bill of Rights Day District 17 Republicans: Bill of Rights Day 2009 Stuff from Hsoi: Happy Bill of Rights [...]
[...] of Rights Day! John Loudon writes about the Bill of Rights [...]
Isn't it pathetic the way these sad sick politicians behave themselves. Day by day the average citizen of America grows angrier because these termites in Washington flat put refuses to listen to the people that they work for! A person could write a 2000 page book just discussing the mental illness of these sad politicians. Either they are completely blind and deaf when it comes to carrying out the will of the people or are just simply operating under their own agenda and don't give a damn about their Constitutional duties. It doesn't matter which is which, either one of those two symptoms represents "ILLNESS" on the part of these creeps! They need to be heavily medicated under their own health care plan and sent to DEVILS ISLAND for some rest!
[...] Read the whole thing at Big Government. [...]
I can't beleive that our government would risk closing the SAC base in Nebraska to pass something of a healthcare bill. This is really scary.
Yes, I put in charter with the Moorings and only get down to the BVI for 5 weeks a year but it is my best time.
No, I think he is talking about the 4 to 5 page original constituion.
We do have Charlie Rangle to thank for several of those pages of the tax law and it is obvious by his filing he didn't read any of them.
Thanks for the clarification.
Has President Barack Hussein Obama violated the law to such an extent to cause him to be indicted by the House and tried for impeachment under the following charges?! Mr. Obama has created a set of circumstances which indicates he has violated Federal law by false swearing of oath of the office of the President and treason.
US Constitution, Article II, Section 1
"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."
Obama’s stated reservations and disdain for the Constitution because as he said it only tells the Federal and State governments what they may not do to the people. Furthermore Mr. Obama stated that the Constitution is deficient because it does not tell the Federal government what IT can do TO the people. His actions and those of his Administration since taking office have been nothing short of Socialist including his strong desire and actions to redistribute “Our” wealth.
There is no nexus between entrepreneurial free market capitalism and “State owned” Socialism. In fact the framers of the Constitution specifically worded the Constitution banning and baring a large Federal government and referred to such a centralized government as being governed by tyranny. The framers of the Constitution framed the work to allow for the life giving properties of capitalism and embodied it into the Constitution, by recognizing our God given Right to ownership of Private Property. Without such guaranteed “Right” in the Bill of Rights” we’d be nothing more than slaves.
I found a link to a Bill of Rights Day essay contest: http://drginaloudon.com/general/go-freedom-vote-f...
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