published by: Alec One
date: 27-May-1978
The State has to be the “I” Focus on Problem Solving:
Why should I care about the bill of rights? Thats a fun question to ponder about in the safety of “my” flat, typing on “my” laptop, while I am streaming video from “my” smart phone.
Life’s important issues are viewed from relative points of views. A point of view is relative to a point in time. I am living in a point in time in which I am lucky to be so privileged. I am also aware that individual world views are constantly in states of chaos (“insert hyperbole”). This is a declaration of the interpretation and my rights.
Terms to define:
- What does “right” mean?
- original definition: Old English ‘riht’; “just, good, fair; proper, fitting; straight, not bent, direct, erect,
- modern usage definition: “an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature.”
1: I have the right to think, say, produce, connect, and debate my thoughts.
- source…
- The First Amendment grants freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and the right to protest.
- 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.
2: I have the right to protect myself from harm.
- source…
- The Second Amendment grants the 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.
3: I must not unknowingly allow media to influence my thinking.
- source…
- The Third Amendment states that soldiers cannot take over a home during war or peace without the homeowners permission.
- 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.
4: I must protect mind and body from external and internal harm.
- source…
- The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable and unlawful search and seizure of property.
- 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.
5: I must understand the elements of the law of my environment.
- source…
- The Fifth Amendment allows all citizens due process and states that a person cannot be forced to serve as a witness against himself when accused of a crime.
- 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.
6: Defend thinking with logic and storytelling.
- source…
- The Sixth Amendment provides a speedy and public trial by jury for all who are accused of a crime.
- 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.
7: Defend thinking with logic and storytelling with others in public and private environments.
- source…
- The Seventh Amendment also allows a trial by jury to be held for certain civil disputes.
- 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.
8: Never use information or knowledge as a tool for punishment.
- source…
- The Eighth Amendment prevents those accused of suffering cruel and unusual punishment.
- Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
9: Never use information or knowledge as a tool for punishment against others.
- source…
- The Ninth Amendment states that no one’s Constitutional rights should be used to infringe upon the rights of another citizen.
- The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
10: Never use information or knowledge as a tool to cause violence against others.
- source…
- The Tenth Amendment provides each state with powers that are not specifically assigned to the nation’s government in the Constitution.
- 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.
source:
- updating…
- Constitution