America is sometimes called The Land of the Free which at times causes me to laugh sardonically. Most people think they know the Bill of Rights..."uh...Speech, religion, guns, something about punishment." So here, for your edification, are all 10 amendments comprising the "Bill of Rights"
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.
Pretty strait forward, right? Believe what you want, practice that belief how you want, read about it in the paper, say what ever you want and then complain to the government when they piss you off. Simple. NO! Some republicans are contesting now that only Christians should be able to hold political office. Schools are forbidding students from wearing symbols of faith. And don't get me started on news media today. FUCK YOU GLENN BECK!!
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.
Thankfully in Los Angelas it is still legal to own shotguns, rifles and handguns for home protection. It is illegal to carry said weapons on the street, but I agree with that restriction. The Democrats are constantly trying to pass "gun control legislation". It's only a matter of time before this right is gone. And really, when was the last time you were asked to join the militia.
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.
No comment. I see no immediate threat that I'll be housing marines in my home against my will.
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.
PATRIOT Act. Need I say more.
5. 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.
Conspiracy Theories by their nature can never be proven. We've all heard the rumors of terrorist suspects being held indefinitely. The horror stories that came out of Guantanamo Bay. Fucking PATRIOT Act!
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 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 defense.
See preceding diatribe about THE FUCKING PATRIOT ACT
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.
No comment. Law suits and stuff.
8. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Guantanamo Bay aside, the only major problem with the prison system is over crowding. I have a solution for that, but that's a rant for latter.
9. The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
I like this one a lot. Translated it says that just because a right is not SPECIFICALLY mentioned in the Constitution does not mean you don't have it. Including the right to privacy, the right to an education and so on. If, as a group, Americans believe they have a right, then they do and it's the job of the government to uphold it. Fucking PATRIOT act.
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.
DAMN STRAIT. Example of why this is no longer true. In California, Medicinal marijuana is legal. That is a state law. The Federal government, however, still holds marijuana as illegal. So while California says you can purchase, grow and use for medical reasons the FBI can arrest you on Federal Charges. Fun Times.
Land of the Free my ass.
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