The Marketing Technology Blog

When is the last time you read our Constitution? Declaration of Independence? Our Bill of Rights? If you’ve not studied it since High School Social Studies, I would encourage you to take a ‘refresher course’ on the documents of our Forefathers. If you read them well, you will find some incredible inconsistencies with what is reported in the news, by some of our elected officials, and even what is taught in our school system. I believe the Bill of Rights is most fascinating…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amendment VIII: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

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

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.

The Bill of Rights is as important as ever today as it was in 1789:

• Amendment I vs. Prayer in School and display of the Ten Commandments. There is no exception for government property or a balanced display… the people have the right with NO prohibition!
• Amendment II vs. Gun Control. It doesn’t say they can’t all have serial numbers, though!
• Amendment IV vs. The Patriot Act. I think the Patriot Act goes overboard, and was named as a political ploy to get it through in a time of great angst… post 9/11.
• Amendment V vs. Justice of detained Guantanemo Bay, Cuba. Not only do these prisoners not have rights to justice… even Americans do not if there is a public danger!
• Amendment V vs. the Supreme Court’s decision on private property. Without just compensation, it can’t be taken for public use. Nevermind for public ‘profit’!

Some of the things you WON’T find in any of these documents:

• The Right of Freedom from Religion and Separation of Church and State - in fact, the First Amendment guarantees quite the opposite.
• The Right to Marriage - gay or straight… this is not a right in our country.
• The Right to Health Care - our Doctors take the Hippocratic Oath, and the government must make decisions for the health of our nation… but we don’t have a right to health care.
• The Right to Education - incredible… but it’s not there. Of course Education is an investment in the wealth of our nation and we must collectively support it. But for those who don’t wish to comply with the rules, it’s not a right.
• The Right to not be offended - the NCAA recently made a decision to not disallow Native American mascots from certain events. Incredible! Can you imagine if all national teams were named after the majority? We’d be in court fighting for the opposite! I respect our Native Americans’ Heritage… but without some displays of their proud past, my kids are only going to think of Native Americans as folks who run Casinos. It’s sad.

I love this country, and I’m forever respectful of our forefathers’ incredible fortitude and genius at creating this framework for a great nation. But I’m disappointed in our politicians, our lawyers, and our media at spreading ‘mistruths’ regarding the framework of this great nation.

Don’t take my word for it! This is simply my interpretation. I would urge everyone to read them and dispute their intention with me… and I’ll respect your opinion. Free speech is, of course, your right! Take a weekend out and read these fascinating documents. The National Archives has an incredible website where you can read them all:

http://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/