Do our Rights only come into play on Independence Day? Is our freedom only celebrated once a year? Does Justice escape us unless it is that summer day when the Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen united States of America was signed? Where is the concern for general Welfare? What has happened to the common Defence? Why is our Union less perfect? Are the Blessings of Liberty only secured on July 4?
Nay! These have been secured to ourselves and our Posterity! No doubt your first response is, ‘What on earth is she talking about?’ It’s simple. Our Rights were not just for Independence Day, but for all year round. The fault of our Rights not always being there is our own. We are the ones who voted politicians instead of statesmen into office. We are the ones who chose those we wanted to pick our Supreme Court Justices. We are the ones who are at fault for the rise of a large central government and the loss of Rights. And we must accept the blame.
Why do I say it is our fault? Sure, the members of Congress vote on nominations, issues, and such, but if we cannot perform the act of choosing good and wise leaders, the main fault lies with us. We must plead ‘Guilty’. Fixing our mistakes won’t come quickly though. It will take time, something that we appear to be losing alongside our Rights.
You see, when we only care about our Rights once a year, it makes it very easy, too easy, for power-hungry politicians to take them away from us. We have the Right to freedom of Religion2, but Christians are sometimes frowned upon and thought of as intolerant. Part of that is our fault though; we are called to hate the sin but love the sinner. If we disagree, there’s nothing wrong with that, but we must still love our enemies and treat them with respect.
We have the Right to free Speech3, but it seems that too often liberals can exercise it while conservatives are only bashing. Or vice-versa. Just because we disagree does not grant us the right to bash them. If we want to be respected, we better start respecting others first. Freedom of Speech doesn’t include ad hominem attacks.
We have the Right to freedom of the Press4. Without it, the government would censor everything in print a la 1984 (not that they aren’t trying as it is). That does not give us the right to make up lies and spread them as truth. Press and speech freedoms afford citizens great power, but they must use it responsibly. If we want our audiences to respect us and believe us, we better give out the facts.
We have the Right to peacefully Assemble5. We don’t have the right to form an angry mob. Who would garner more respect – an obtuse and angry mob or a reasonable, peaceful assembly? If we get upset at furious protestors, maybe we should rethink any demonstrations we do. Will this present me as an honourable person who is willing to politely discuss the issue and listen to what others have to say, or a rude jerk who is only concerned with themself and getting their way?
These Rights, along with the others outlined in the United States Constitution are to be exercised on a day-to-day basis. If you have a discussion on a newspaper article, you have just used your Right to Free Speech, while the newspaper is using their Right to freedom of the Press. Everyday happenings, not just once a year. Independence doesn’t just happen on Independence day, but lasts for the other 364 days. Remember, ‘…secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…’6 It’s ujp to us to keep our Rights secure. Don’t wait until the next fourth of July – start today. Know your Rights and use them.
- The United States Constitution, Preamble
- Amendment I, Free Exercise Clause
- Amendment I, Free Speech Clause
- Amendment I, Freedom of the Press Clause
- Amendment I, Freedom to Assemble Clause
- The United States Constitution, Preamble
Once again, Alessandra, amazing work.