The Bill of Rights are the first ten Amendments to the Constitution. 231 years ago after much objection to the current Constitution by those who felt it didn’t go far enough in protecting our natural rights, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. This Thursday, we celebrate the wisdom of our founding Fathers in adding these essential rights to our Constitution.
These ten amendments include basic rights that our Creator gave to everyone, men, women, gay, lesbian, and all others. The Ten Amendments are:
Amendment I
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.
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Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
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Amendment II
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.
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Right to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well regulated militia.
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Amendment III
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.
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No quartering of soldiers.
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Amendment IV
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.
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Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.
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Amendment V
No 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.
Right to due process of law, freedom from self-incrimination, double jeopardy
Amendment VI
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 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.
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Rights of accused persons, e.g., right to a speedy and public trial.
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Amendment VII
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.
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Right of trial by jury in civil cases.
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Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
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Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishments.
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Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construe d to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
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Other rights of the people.
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Amendment X
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.
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Powers reserved to the states.
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Looking back at my family tree, we were both "Indian-slayers" who were landless peasants from Germany in search of farmland and poor ignorant immigrants from Ireland who were looking for mining and factory jobs. We had to go on strike because we were tired and hungry, so over-worked that risking death was seen as a relief from living.
These days, I live 10 minutes from the Statue of Liberty. I have met many tourists who gaze at it with hope. It is a promise, but we have a lot of work to do to defend our rights from the corporations who don't believe in any kind of democracy for anyone!
But I'm glad you brought the Bill of Rights day to mind and have printed them here for us. The founding fathers, indeed were wise to add these brilliant conclusions to our Constitution. It is sad to see so many people misinterpreting their meaning as a result of what others say rather than reading what the bill simply states.
I especially like the reference to "peaceful" protest. When a protest is violent it is a simple criminal action involving destruction of property and even injury and death property. Of those partaking in a violent protest need to be prosecuted by the law.
And the reference to a "well armed" Militia. Every state has a National Guard and they are generally well armed. It is unfortunate that they sometimes have to be called out to put down violent cults that are also, but not protected by the Constitution, well armed.
Ron