This is the 4th post in my on-going series on Revolution
There are certain rights that were promised the people by the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were previously PROMISED to reconcile the lack of a Bill of Rights provided for directly within the original document and are the ONLY reason that the constitution was agreed upon by the 13 colonies.
The first ten amendments are known as The Bill of Rights
for those who do not know them they proceed as follows
#1 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 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 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 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 No person shall be held to answer for any 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.
#6 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 where in 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 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 re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
#8 Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
#9 The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
# 10 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.
Simply put:
#1 The government shall NOT establish a national religion and shall not put into effect laws that protect or harm the free practice of any religion. And the government also shall not put into effect any laws that would take away from the rights to Speak what you wish, Assemble in a peaceful manner, Publish whatever information you choose, or to Petition the government.
#2 Because a military is necessary for protection of freedom (back then the military was run on a state by state basis through the different militias) people shall have the right to own a weapon.
#3 Quartering of soldiers is not permitted
#4 In order for any law enforcement agency to search/seize yourself or your property a Warrant specifically describing who/what shall be search and what that person/property is to be searched for.
#5 People cannot be put on trial multiple times for the same crime. No person will be forced to witness against him/herself. Nor shall a person be deprived of anything (life, liberty, or property) without due process. Nor can private property be taken for public use without just compensation
#6 An impartial jury and a speedy trial in the State/District in which the crime was committed must be provided to all those accused of criminal activities by law. Legal counsel is to be provided for all those accused as a defense of themselves in trial.
#7 In all civil suits where-in the value in controversy exceeds $20 a jury mus be provided if requested.
#8 Neither excessive bail or fines nor cruel and unusual punishments be inflicted by the courts
#9 The statement of protection of these rights neither denies people any rights not listed here or in the constitution or claims any rights not listed here as being worthless.
#10 Any powers not assigned by the Constitution to the federal government or states belongs to the states or the people.
The most important of these amendments, in this respect, being 1, 4, 9, & 10
These four protect our ability to spread ideas (whether controversial or respected), our property from being unfairly taken (whether legal or illegal), and all our rights, powers and privileges not specifically mentioned in either the Bill of Rights or the Constitution.
These four amendments should also call all of those who care about the future of this nation and the future of our rights as people in this nation to action.
Our government has been writing and enforcing many laws which violate the Bill of Rights.
And “When injustice becomes law, Rebellion becomes Duty.”
