Liberty
Times Read: 3263
Constrain the Government to its enumerated powers as such that it does not impede the Liberty of the People whom it serves.
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. Because we will refer to the fourth and fifth amendments, let’s read them in their entirety:
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 offense 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.”
Also, note Article 1, Section 9, Clause 2:
“The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.”
Note there is no exception to these rights provided for war or the threat of public danger, such as terrorism. Illusive, undeclared wars, such as the “War on Terror” or the “War on Drugs” are not grounds to violate our liberties.
We deplore and vigorously oppose legislation and executive action that deprive the people of their rights secured under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments under the guise of “combating terrorism” or “protecting national security.” Examples of such legislation are the National Security Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the subsequent USA FREEDOM Act, the Military Commissions Act, the National Defense Authorization Act and especially the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
We further oppose any other governmental action that would deprive persons of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. Because we will refer to the fourth and fifth amendments, let’s read them in their entirety: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 offense 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.”
Also, note Article 1, Section 9, Clause 2:
“The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.”
Note there is no exception to these rights provided for war or the threat of public danger, such as terrorism. Illusive, undeclared wars, such as the “War on Terror” or the “War on Drugs” are not grounds to violate our liberties.
We deplore and vigorously oppose legislation and executive action that deprive the people of their rights secured under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments under the guise of “combating terrorism” or “protecting national security.” Examples of such legislation are the National Security Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the subsequent USA FREEDOM Act, the Military Commissions Act, the National Defense Authorization Act and especially the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
We further oppose any other governmental action that would deprive persons of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
