The US Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in order to, "prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution." In other words, Congress wanted to make the rights of the people and the legal limitations placed on the US government perfectly clear so that the government could be trusted to act for the benefit of the people.
While there were precedents for such a list (the English Bill of Rights and the Bills of Rights of individual states), the US Bill of Rights (adopted 1791) was revolutionary in both its guarantee of a wide range of personal freedoms and its explicitly stated limitations on governmental power. Indeed, some historians argue that the adoption of the Bill of Rights was the last act of an American Revolution that began with the signing of Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Since then, the Bill of Rights has become a source of sustained and, at times, virulent debate. Despite the continuing debates concerning the scope and meaning of the Bill of Rights, only a few have questioned the prudence of such a list without a corresponding list of civic duties. Is it right to demand one's rights from one's nation without also expressing a willingness to serve that nation or at the very least exercise those rights responsibly? Has the Bill of Rights created an American citizenry that is so concerned about protecting their own personal freedoms that few Americans consider what responsibilities go with those freedoms?
G.K. Chesterton, an English apologist of the early 20th century, remarked, "To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it." This quote is also located at the bottom of The Patriots' Lyceum webpage. How does the idea expressed in this quote apply to the Bill of Rights and to the responsibilities of Americans?
--Cicerone
Saturday, January 5, 2008
For Discussion: Rights vs Right
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17 comments:
Lyceum is like a school, or class, and or public hall type learning place.
Cicerone is a guide or a teacher.
Aren't you so smart and clever.
+1 for Cicerone, but Chris got Lyceum at 5:39!
Why yes, I am so smart and clever. Thank you for noticing.
--Cicerone
"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country"
-President John F. Kennedy from his inaugural address in 1961
The majority of the American people if asked what the Bill of Rights was, they couldn't respond with the knowlage saying that they are the first ten amendments or even what they are (but that is quite a stretch for the modern American). So to even assume that the general American population would even consider the responsibilities of having the Bill of Rights is ludacris.
To answer the first question more thoroughly, I can use a very simple comparison. When someone turns sixteen years old do they automaticaly get their driver's license? No. They had to test for their learners permit, in some states take a manditory drivers education class, and then take yet another test as to prove their worthyness to be alone on the road. So why is it that people are entitled things they have done nothing for, and probably will never do anything for? Isn't insulting to the millions of Americans who gave their lives in combat? Sadly not for most people. Society has taught us that we should do what ever it takes to improve ourselves and to screw everybody else. Not many people appreicate or are so nievely unaware of the uniqueness and magnitude of what America offers.
Everybody certainly enjoys the freedoms that America offers, but how many people would step up to the plate and take on the responsibilities of maintaining those freedoms? How many people will sit around and never even vote?
Why does a convicted felon have so many rights after abusing those rights? If a child stays out past cerfew, doesn't the parent normally take away rights for abusing rights?
Funny how such a large portion of the nation doesnt pay any taxes at all, and are still allowed to vote on issues such as wellfare and tax increases! Did you know that the wealthiest 10% of America pays 68% of the taxes? and the top 1% pays 19% of taxes? (Check much more out on this at http://www.american.com/archive/2007/november-december-magazine-contents/guess-who-really-pays-the-taxes )
Now ask yourself these two questions:
1) Is it constitutional to show bias towards one income group, and demand that they give up a larger portion of their income to provide for those in a lower income group?
2) Is it or is it not true that Karl Marx and Engles had a very similar message?
3) Did or or did not, the topics of questions one and two lead to an unappreciative, lazy, and over all strained and failed government in many other nations?
Thank you!
-GeneralGirard
Q: Is it right to demand one's rights from one's nation without also expressing a willingness to serve that nation or at the very least exercise those rights responsibly?
A: Yes. While it is much appreciated and positive to serve and work for your country's progress and advancement, certain rights should be preserved no matter what. There are certain rights, like the freedom of speech, that should be guaranteed to all citizens no matter how much or how little they contribute to the country. Just because an individual chooses to do nothing, does not mean that such basic rights should be taken away. I think I'll go with the cliche "two wrongs do not make a right!"
Q: Has the Bill of Rights created an American citizenry that is so concerned about protecting their own personal freedoms that few Americans consider what responsibilities go with those freedoms?
A: Yes and no. I think in every country citizens are concerned about keeping their freedoms and personal liberties. I just think Americans are more aware of the freedoms they do have and, yes, they are concerned about making sure they are safe guarded. I, however, do not think it is a cuase of the Bill of Rights, more of American History. We have always been a country that has stood up for the things and ideas we believe in, why would that be any different now? Sure, some Americans forget or are simply apathetic toward their own responsibilities, however, I think every country has that problem to a certain degree. Some people are simply lazy, and would rather be served than lift a finger to help. And I think as a result, the rest of us, that supposedly work so dilligently to better our country, should work harder to make up for the responsibilites they do not accept. Instead of doting on the shortcomings of others!
Q: How does the idea expressed in this quote apply to the Bill of Rights and to the responsibilities of Americans?
"To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it."
A: I'm not really sure what to say about this quote. I don't think I agree with it, but then again I'm not completely sure what it means. All I know is that If it's a right then I'm pretty sure it's okay to do it. I don't know of an example of when it wouldn't be. If anyone would like to provide one then I am more than happy to listen!
--Idiotes is a common person, one who lacks a certain professional skill or knowledge about something.
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Idiot
--The lyceum was a gymnasium located outside of the walls of ancient athens that was home to Aristotle's school of philosophy (which eventually rivaled that of Plato's). But as Chris said, it is also used to refer to a school, or some type of learning place.
http://www.reference.com/search?q=lyceum
--Also, as chris said, cicerone is a guide or a teacher of some kind.
http://www.reference.com/search?q=cicerone
Concerning the question. Of course there is responsibility that comes with any right. However, I believe it is our society that encourages the notion that just by simply being born in this country, we are free to do anything that we want and nothing can be held against us ("Hey, its a free country"). Also, with institutions such as welfare in place, the notion that the country will provide to anyone without anything in return has penetrated much of the lower classes which in turn are felt by everyone else. You can never convince everyone that they have to give back to a country that gives them the freedom not to, while still taking advantage of its core values and rights that it extends to all citizens.
Wow, it isn't intimidating at all to have to comment after "generalgirard"... NOT!
However, he did bring up some very good points. I completely agree with the point that most Americans don't think of the Bill of Rights and then consider their responsibilities that come a long with it. Honestly, I haven't really thought about it until now.Generalgirard is right when he says that everyone enjoys the freedoms that America offers,but very few would actually step up to maintain them.This is a problem, but I also think it's understandable. I'm not saying that it's ok for us to continuously take, take, take and never give back and serve, but putting one's life on the line for it IS the ultimate sacrifice (and i think it's great and extremely admirable for those that do... they have my sincerest gratitude). But it's not reasonable to expect everyone to be willing to do that. On the other hand, there are other ways to help.
As far as the rights of a convicted felon...I agree with generalgirard again. I mean come on, if they're convicted, THEY'RE CONVICTED! They CHOSE to do wrong and abuse those rights so I don't think they should get anymore... but that's just my opinion.
generalgirard:
I thought about including the Kennedy quote with the original post--I'm glad you posted it. It sounds like your are suggesting a need to "earn" your rights through a test or service in order to gain full rights of citizenship--is that what you are getting at? What exactly would that entail?
Note: most convicted felons cannot vote and lose many rights (they are jailed and then paroled under conditions)
Your questions about taxes are good questions but are a bit off topic.
MagneticMahssa: So you prefer rights for everyone whether they deserve it or not. I think most Americans would agree with you, but the founding fathers thought that the only way freedom would survive would be if the populace was to remain virtuous. In other words, a government of the people will be good if the people are good and a government of the people will be bad if the people are bad.
Alimc39:
You speak of the entitlement mentality of Americans--how do you fix the problem?
Lawren2008:
I am glad you have thought about a new issue; that is what this blog is all about. You say that there are other ways to give back besides military service, what are some examples? How many Americans do you think actually give back?
--Cicerone
I do think that the Bill of Rights has created an entitlement mentality in Americans today. We are so caught up in protecting our rights that we fail to realize or take the responsibilities that come with these freedoms. Everyone is always glad to demand their rights - it is easy to take. But not many are willing to give back to their country - taking responsibility is hard sometimes. I definately agree with Ali on his comment about "Hey its a free country." I think we rely too much on our right to do (or not do) something - just because you can doesn't mean you should.
As to how to solve the entitlement mentality problem, I think that it can only be solved on an individual level. A lot of times, things have to be taken away from people for them to realize that they aren't entitled to that thing. But can we do this with rights?
I agree with what janey and ali have brought up about the Bill of Rights causing an entitlement mentality in most Americans today. I am not sure how you would fix a problem like this but I agree that it is an issue. I think that most Americans, including myself, have never even thought about any responsiblity that would come along with those rights. We take this for granted and just assume that it is given to us no matter what. I think that we should be required in some way to give back to our country or at least be responsible and not be able to abuse these rights.
"A lot of times, things have to be taken away from people for them to realize that they aren't entitled to that thing. But can we do this with rights."
Yeah, it would tick people off to the point of rebellion if certain, or too many, "rights" are taken away. (Hince why I think its stupid to oppose the NRA the way some people do!)
And really, the rights dont really need to be taken away, but more or less have requirements put on them.
Maybe it's just me and maybe my understanding of the term "right" is confused, but if I'm not mistaken, then isn't a right something that is guaranteed to you no matter what, and is most likely a right in most other countries (excluding those with irrational and unstable governemnts). It is my belief that most rights are simply rights of humanity and ,sure each country, state, etc. come up with their own unique ones, but certain rights are just guaranteed to humanity in general, or should be. Countries have simply taken it upon themselves to make 100% sure that these rights are guaranteed by ensuring them in their constitutions. So basically, I don't think people should have to work for rights, but they should for priveledges, but some things are just guaranteed to you simply because you were born, whether you contribute anyhting to the world or not.
I absolutely believe the Bill of Rights has generated a growing problem in the U.S, this being Americans feelings of entitlement to certain rights. Americans feel entitled to particular rights and are so willing to demand their rights; however it seems that they don't realize that in order for those rights to be protected and maintained someone has to be willing to fight for them. I'm not saying that the only way for Americans to serve their country is by enlisting in the army because like Lauren said their are other ways for Americans to serve their country. Americans can run for office or simply vote, volunteer with organizations like AmeriCorps and organizations that support our troops like Soldiers Angels, helping out our public school systems through teaching,volunteer at a food bank or homeless shelter, the list can go on and on. There is more than one way a person can serve their country. I also think its sad some Americans, that don't serve their country,exercise the rights they do have with little responsibility, which in result I think is showing disrespect to all those who are fighting for our rights. I don't think Americans do this intentionally, I agree that people get so caught up in taking, they never realize the sacrifices that have to be made that enable them to take so much without giving anything in return. I don't believe we can fix the problem unless it was a law for Americans to serve their country, because it is completely unrealistic to expect every American to willingly volunteer. However it is also unrealistic that a law requiring an individuals service to their country would ever be established. I agree with Janey in that in most cases it takes an individual loosing something for them to ever realize they were never entitled to them to begin with.
I do think that Americans today are so concerned about defending their rights that they don't consider the responsibilities that come with those rights. American's entitlement mentality generallly leads to an abuse of our freedoms.
For example, what if one decides to go into a movie theater and yell, "FIRE"? On one hand they are praticing freedom of speech, but at the same time they have made a false statement and created much panic among the film's viewers. Should this person be arrested for their action? They certainly have not upheld the responsibilty that comes along with their right.
Although I think that we should have our rights, I believe a line has to be drawn as to how far we can stretch our rights. One's right to act ends where another's right to protect himself begins.
Well, after seeing the different opinions of the students in this class i have to say that there is no "yes or no" answer to the question about whether American's have an entitlement attitiude towrds their rights. If they do, I almost feel that we can't blame them, since they do not know what it is like not to have those rights (now, I am not saying that this is good, I'm just saying that this is the way it is).
I also agree with Lauwren2008 in that there are other ways to give back to your country. Just by being a good citizen, you can give back something. As cicerone said, the founding fathers of this country set in place the rights because they beleived that America would be a country in which the citizens were upstanding people. I think that sometimes we forget about this, and fail to realize how lucky we are, and how much we owe to our founding fathers. I wander what they would say if they got to see America now... would they be dissappointed in us?
I love the point that with generalgirard makes when he talks about how many Americans would actually step up if asked to serve their country, yet those people are usually the first ones to complain about their rights not being in place or being taken away.
I think it is ridiculous for those who are not willing to serve and exercise their rights, to even expect to have any rights at all. If your country is doing something for you by giving you these rights, the very least you could do is to agree to support your country or use your rights to their fullest extent. As a citizen, you should vote or else you have no room to complain about the President and the decisions he/she makes.
However, I do agree with everyone on the fact that even I have not done anything to step up to use my rights to their full potential, but I do realize my rights and how I can use them. I do not complain about my rights being taken away either.
We take a lot of our rights for granted and somehow we need to give back to our country.
wow long read...
Well... after reading everything I don't know if I have a definite opinion or not. I kind of agree with Mahssa in that there are some basic rights that are entitled to everyone whether they deserve them or not. However, I do agree with others when they say that although some rights are entitled to ppl, no one should abuse their rights and not do anything to give back to his/her country. But this poses a problem when some people might say that they are serving their country just by going shopping and paying taxes (which would mean that everyone who shops is 'serving' their country). Others might say that this doesn't count or isn't as important as serving the country by joining the military or by voting.
Also, I agree with Chloe when she says that although Americans are entitled to their rights, a line should be drawn when someone uses their rights to infringe upon the rights of others. But then this rasies the question of where the line should be drawn. And I have no idea. This topic is pretty complicated...
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