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RIP The United States Constitution
04.06.1776 - 10.26.2001
On October 26 2001, John Ashcroft and the right-wingers got their wish of wishes. The Bill of Rights has been gutted due to fear of more terrorist attacks. This anti-terrorist bill is a small victory for the terrorists, a major victory for the Republicans and a major defeat for all Americans.
"Do you have your papers citizen?", Get used to the sound of that.
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"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - The Papers of Benjamin Franklin |
"The American people must be willing to give up a degree of personal
privacy in exchange for safety and security."
- Louis Freeh 1993 (FBI director) |
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Amendment ICongress 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. (This is the one that makes America the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. It is also the one that is under constant attack from the right to birther's, bible thumpers and others who would like to force their version morality on others.
Amendment IIA 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. (... well, mostly, If I wanted a gun, it would have to be a big one like an M1A1, Howitzer, Bazooka or an RPG launcher and I can't have any of those)
Amendment IIINo 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. (Never heard of this happening yet.) Amendment IVThe 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. (welllll, not under these circumstances...)
Amendment VNo 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. (oy this one's toast too)
Amendment VIIn 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. (it depends, - anyway "speedy" is subjective term)
Amendment VIIIn 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. (This seems to work, though I think the jury selection process is absurd.) Amendment VIIIExcessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. (This could be debated ad nauseum, ad infinitum) Amendment IXThe enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. (unless we add something later, or happen to disagree)
Amendment XThe 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. (unless it is politically incorrect or bothersome in some way) |
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