The Bill of Rights; A Shield Against Progressives

The “progressive” movement is a belief that as time changes the way government works must change as well. The problem with the movement is it is not founded in principle. It is not based upon any solid foundational principles which make it an enemy of individual liberty. How do we determine what needs to be changed if there are no principles?

If someone says they are progressive, ask them to define their principles of government, and how they differ from the principles in the constitution. What you will find is they have only a couple of principles and they begin with the end to your freedom. The first principle of a progressive is the belief there are people that know how to govern your life better than you. They do not believe we are all created equal or that there is a creator. They despise private property and due process. They squirm at free speech that disagrees with their free speech. They want everyone to get the same civics education; theirs. They despise history and our founders. These only scratch the surface of their contempt for you and liberty.

When you read the Bill of Rights (first ten amendments to the constitution) remember the “principles” of progressives and determine which movement has your best interest at heart; the constitutional movement or the progressive movement?

• First Amendment – 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.

How do you change a right to free speech for the better? Do we want the government establishing our faith? What would you change?

• Second Amendment – 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.

This is one of the most attacked amendments in the constitution. Progressives believe our rights to defend ourselves and freedom should be determined by the same government our founders feared so much that they included this amendment in the constitution.

• Third Amendment – 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.

Do we want to allow our military to invade our homes at will? I don’t think that principle has changed over time.

• Fourth Amendment – 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.

This amendment is fundamental to keeping government out of our personal affairs, limiting their ability to search us without probable cause. I believe much of the Patriot Act has dangerously ignored this amendment. It is politically popular with conservatives until they read the act. When reading the Patriot Act a chill should run up your spine. 9/11 and fear has created an environment that has given pause to this amendment.

• Fifth Amendment – 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.

This is due process, double jeopardy, self incrimination, and eminent domain. Has the world progressed where these rights need to be changed?

• Sixth Amendment – 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.

• Seventh Amendment – 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.

• Eighth Amendment – Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

• Ninth Amendment – The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

• Tenth Amendment – 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.

I ask you to honestly review these rights and determine what you would change. Be careful what you ask for; it may cost you your liberty from a progressive and over reaching federal government...