First Amendment – Freedom of speech, press, religion, peaceable assembly, and to petition the government.

We should all be able to use this, but not be allowed to abuse it. Unfortunately, people do. These rights don't give you license to be shitty to others...

Second Amendment – Right for the people to keep and bear arms, as well as to maintain a militia.

I'm all for being able to keep and bear arms, but for God's sake, learn how to use them BEFORE you keep and bear them? Just like driving a vehicle, I think you should be required to learn to use a gun. Would you like knowing the cops don't have to learn anything before they are out there? Be responsible! I'm not sure what good the militia is now; isn't that our National Guard...(who I am very grateful for)?

Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.

I think I may understand this if I read it right...a soldier cannot come into your house w/o permission (during peace time), yet if during war, there are rules...?

Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

Note the word UNREASONABLE...so if you're seen running into your home after shooting it out with someone, namely the police, a joint hanging out of your mouth and dragging the dead body of the guy you just killed behind you, don't be surprised if they don't knock.

Fifth Amendment – Due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, private property.

Hmmm...Grand Jury indictment...witness against self...DUE PROCESS...doesn't that mean a swift and fair trial?

Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and other rights of the accused.

Great idea...however, for anyone who has ever had the good fortune to be a victim, the rights of the accused seem to be more important than the rights of the victim. Why should some guy who was caught red handed doing something have any rights? Just give him the punishment and shut up about it. Of course, the bad ones...the child molesters and killers...what rights did they allow that child? Take them out back...give all the family and friends a bat...let the parents have the first swing...

Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.

Good idea, but remember, they are all human. Makes you wonder how many made mistakes...

Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishment.

If excessive bail is warranted, why do it at all? Isn't it true the higher the bail the worse the crime? As for cruel and unusual punishment, I plead the Sixth...

Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights

I guess this is where good lawyering comes in...

Tenth Amendment – Powers of states and people

Unfortunately, we all know too well about the power of the states...how taxes keep going up, rediculous laws that are passed (such as certain garbage cans shall be used or else; weeds cannot be too tall, yet that tree that is ready to come down is YOUR problem; slum lords make good money...), people can stay on welfare forever. And unless you have lots of money and know all the "right" people, don't expect to get what you want.


Our forefathers had some great ideas. I don't pretend to understand some of it, either. If you'd like to read more of an explanation, go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights#Amendments

(sorry, STILL not sure how to link)

One other thing...with all that's going on in the world today, we need to remember something...I always liked this saying (a southern thing, I think...)

DON'T GET ABOVE YOUR RAISIN'
posted by Wanting at 8:06 AM