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"Jefferson and Franklin categorically believed that it wasn't just American's right to criticize the government, it was American's duty. The Declaration of Independence actually says you have a duty to rise up and overthrow tyranny and injustice. That is your responsibility as an American.
And Benjamin Franklin, you know, knew it was up to us. I mean, he, there is this great story that he was coming out of the constitutional convention and a woman asked him, 'so, what is it, you know, is it a republic or is it not a republic?' and he said, 'a republic Ma'am, if you can keep it.'"
- Naomi Wolf
"Freedom is not free."
- Anonymous
The premise is that our civil rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution are not a given. They were fought for by our Founding Fathers. Men died for this principle, and so that others might enjoy such liberty. But there are always forces of light and darkness. It is forever an ongoing fight to preserve that most cherished.
Consider that the Espionage Act of 1917 is un-Constitutional to the extent that it prohibits free speech. But that has not stopped it being nevertheless exercised, such as in the case of Eugene V. Debs, for daring to speak out against the draft of men into WWI. The Supreme Court at that time sanctioned his arrest, conviction, and imprisonment for 10 years. [1][2]
Provisions of this Espionage Act are currently being contemplated by this administration to prosecute Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. As with Mr. Debs, not only to silence the messenger, but more broadly to quell dissent from knowledge and a free press through fear.
The 2001 Patriot Act is just as un-Constitutional in peremptorily rescinding various Constitutionally guaranteed civil rights, most notably those of the 4th Amendment. This is the text:
"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." [3]
All Americans should understand that the government can exceed its Constitutional authority, has, and does. This does not make it right. Just the opposite. To the extent that it does it acts no different from a foreign invading army, no different than the British our forefathers fought against.
This is your 1st Amendment, the most basic:
"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." [4]
Read that carefully: "Congress shall make no law…" It is quite explicit. Yet even now they have illegally taken some of your civil rights, and in the process of preempting others, such as freedoms of the press. Without which, you will not even know until too late.
'The End of America' [5] is a documentary film of Naomi Wolf, a few years old, and all the more relevant today. That she speaks of has only metastasized and grown. This is not academic, but quite real, and now.
The premise is that our civil rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution are not a given. They were fought for by our Founding Fathers.
The "Bill of Rights" is not for "civil rights" - which are actually civil liberties bestowed by government. The restrictions on the GOVERNMENT, are to prevent abuse of NATURAL and PERSONAL liberties held by the people.
Like millions of Americans, I was unaware of the distinction, being kept ignorant and apathetic about law.
However, one needs to know that what the Founding generation understood and what this indoctrinated generation knows is 180 degrees apart.
Liberty has FOUR types:
Natural
Personal
Civil and
Political.
The first two contain "inalienable rights" endowed by our Creator.
The last two contain "privileges" granted by government.
Since 1935, Americans have only enjoyed the latter, having surrendered the former, via FICA.
"Free Wisdom" ... for those who would but listen. Courtesy of jetgraphics
Quote:
Originally Posted by jetgraphics
The "Bill of Rights" is not for "civil rights" - which are actually civil liberties bestowed by government. The restrictions on the GOVERNMENT, are to prevent abuse of NATURAL and PERSONAL liberties held by the people.
Like millions of Americans, I was unaware of the distinction, being kept ignorant and apathetic about law.
However, one needs to know that what the Founding generation understood and what this indoctrinated generation knows is 180 degrees apart.
Liberty has FOUR types:
Natural
Personal
Civil and
Political.
The first two contain "inalienable rights" endowed by our Creator.
The last two contain "privileges" granted by government.
Since 1935, Americans have only enjoyed the latter, having surrendered the former, via FICA.
jetgraphics !!! ... BRAVO !
Your last sentence speaks volumes about the current sickening condition of this once great nation !
Indeed ... The gross ineptitude of so many of America's "Career Politicians" will be this nations undoing !
Threads like this will receive the usual shrug and yawn from the fierce defenders of freedom and liberty.
What "freedom"? What "liberty"?
At this point in time, it's futile to try to reform the government to avoid imminent collapse.
The best course of action is preparation, supplies, and a plan to deal with the "SHTF".
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