ISland earth - in the VAST ocean OF s p a c e . .

10th 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.

~Key Definitions~

9th Amendment
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

~Key Definitions~

• Enumeration- 1- A numbered list. 2- The act of counting.
• Construe- 1- Make sense of; assign a meaning to.
• Deny- 1- Declare untrue; contradict. 2- Refuse to accept or believe. 3- Refuse to grant, as of a petition or request. 4- Refuse to let have.
  
• Disparage- 1- Express a negative opinion of.

This is one of my favorite amendments.

1. What is this amendment Saying?
2. What are some other Rights NOT enumerated by the constitution that are retained by the people?

8th Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.

~Key Definitions~

• Excessive- 1-Beyond normal limits. 2- Unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings.
• Cruel- 1- (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering. 2-(of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain.
• Pain- 1- A symptom of some physical hurt or disorder. 2- Emotional distress; a fundamental feeling that people try to avoid. 3- A somatic sensation of acute discomfort.
• Suffering- 1- A state of acute pain. 2- Misery resulting from affliction. 3- Psychological suffering. 4- Feelings of mental or physical pain.
• Unusual- 1- Not usual or common or ordinary. 2- Being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird. 3- Not commonly encountered.

1. Why would the Founders of the Constitution Prohibit Excessive Bail and Fines?
2. Why would a Civilized Society Prohibit the infliction of Cruel and Unusual punishment?

6th 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 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.

• 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.

1. Why would people have the right to a speedy trial?
   

• To be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.

1. Does this mean that the Police have to tell you what law you have violated.
   

• To be confronted with the witnesses against him.

• To have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor.

• To have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

1. Why would the founders give assistance of defense counsel to people?
   

5th Amendment
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.

This is another amendment that illuminates multiple points of interest....

• No Person shall be held to answer for a capital, or 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 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.

4th 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.

~Key Definitions~

• Secure- 1- Free from fear or doubt; easy in mind. 2- Free from danger or risk. 3- Kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss. 4- Not likely to fail or give way.
• Persons- 1- A human being. 2- A human body (usually including the clothing)
• House- 1- A dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families.
• Papers- 1- A material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses. 2- Writing that provides information.
• Effects- 1- Property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business. 2- The central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work.
• Unreasonable- 1- Not reasonable; not showing good judgment. 2- Beyond normal limits.
  
• Search- 1- The activity of looking thoroughly in order to find something or someone. 2- An investigation seeking answers. 3- Try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of. 4- Subject to a search.
• Seizure- 1- The act of forcibly dispossessing an owner of property. 2- The act of taking of a person by force. 3- The taking possession of something by legal process.
• Warrants- 1- A writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts. 2- Formal and explicit approval.
  
• Probable Cause- 1- (law) evidence sufficient to warrant an arrest or search and seizure.
• Oath- 1- A commitment to tell the truth (especially in a court of law); to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury
• Affirmation- 1-A statement asserting the existence or the truth of something.

This seems to be a highly debated topic in todays modern world... But where exactly is the line, where do you have security and protection from the ever watchful eyes of Big Brother? Are we all Guilty until innocence is PROVEN, or are we Innocent until Guilt is Proven?

The 4th amendment makes reference to EVIDENCE (Probable Cause) of the existence of "something" to be looking for BEFORE the a Search for that particular item, or thing. Not simply Searching For Evidence of wrong doing...

1. Is a Stereotype Probable Cause?
2. Probable Cause makes reference to Evidence before the act of a search... Is it legal to "Search" for evidence before any real Probable Cause is sufficient to warrant that particular Search?
3. Are "Roving Wiretaps" a violation of the 4th amendment. As there is no real Evidence to Data mine or listen in on phone calls on random people?
4. Are you Guilty until you can PROVE your innocence, or are you Innocent until your Guilt is proven?
   

3rd 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.

~Key Definitions~

• Quartered- Provide housing for (military personnel).
• Consent- Permission to do something.

1. In times of Peace, Why would Consent of the Home Owner be mentioned specifically?
2. In times of War, When Consent of the Home Owner could be ignored, why would a Law prescribe a manner in which troops could forcibly Quarter in your home?
   

2nd 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.

~Key Definitions~

• Militia~ 1-Civilians trained as soldiers but not part of the regular army. 2- The entire body of physically fit civilians eligible by law for military service.
• Security~ 1- The state of being free from danger or injury.
• Keep and Bear~ Retain possession of; Have, Contain or hold; have within.
• Infringed~ 1- Go against, as of rules and laws. 2- Advance beyond the usual limit.

In the Preamble of the Constitution a POINT was made about our need to Provide for the Common Defense. The American Military is volunteer based. Where a person who chooses to freely enlist for service. In this type of militaristic structure Why is it important for the People to Keep and Bear Arms?

1st 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.

Key Points

• Religion- A strong belief in a supernatural power that controls human destiny.
  
• Speech- The Act of delivering a formal spoken Communication.
  
• Press- Newspaper writers and photographers.
  
• Peaceful Assembly- Non-violent or disorderly, public gathering.
  
• Petition for redress of grievances- Act of correcting an error or a fault or an evil, A complaint about a (real or imaginary) wrong that causes resentment and is grounds for action.

Religion~ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Why would it be important to keep Government from making laws respecting an establishment of religion or from prohibiting the free exercise of your chosen religion. Is Freedom of Religion Freedom From Religion? Religion is a personal belief. One retains the personal Liberty to choose what to believe in... In a Free Society being told what to believe in would contradict the Liberty to choose for yourself.

Speech~ Communication by word of mouth. Given enough rope to hang your self, one is responsible for the message of their voice. Verbal expression, words are a means to meaning for those that choose to listen. Once again, Liberty to believe whatever you want to believe... There is a BIG difference between a concept whose truth can be proved (Fact ) and A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty (Opinion). Truth is never afraid of experimentation or questioning. The Point of Scientific Truth is so that no matter who looks at the evidence or preforms an experiment the conclusion is the same regardless of individual perspective or preference. Regardless of a message's Truth or falsity, one's Liberty is to express that message is protected... Thus Debate is Born.

Press~ The gathering and publishing of news in the form of newspapers or magazines is protected, WHY? I think it is because in a society where individual liberty prevails a Person is able to gather information and make a decision on their own. By powers of OBSERVATION one may see the truth or search for the truth and make a decision for themselves. By controlling the media government could control what facts and statistics you could observe, thus quelling your liberty to make your own decision on an issue...

Peaceful Assembly~ A Non-violent or disorderly, public gathering. This kinda ties back to the Freedom of Speech. A Speech is the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience. The Audience in this case is a public gathering listening to the Formal communication. Once again, The Liberty of an individual to make their own decisions by powers of personal observation and an educated hypothesis is prominent. The Important point is a NON VIOLENT ORDERLY gathering.

Petition for redress of grievances~ Why is it important for the people to be allowed to Create a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority for the Act of correcting an error or a fault or an evil about an allegation that something imposes an illegal obligation or denies some legal right or causes injustice?

1. Why is the First Amendment an Important addition to the Constitution?
2. What commonality do some of these key points share?
3. Can you retain the basic freedoms while undercutting them with loopholes.
   

~Preamble~
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

In order to form a more perfect Union;

• Establish Justice
• Insure Domestic Tranquility
• Provide for the Common Defense
• Promote the General Welfare
• Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity.
  

do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America.


The Preamble is a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution. (usually explaining its purpose) The United States Constitution now over 200 years old. Two-thirds of the world's constitutions have been adopted since 1970. Only 15 predate WWII. None predates the US Constitution.


The Preamble hits on some important issues that are seemingly timeless. As our society grows in age and new issues are brought into the light, we must look to our roots and be sure to never forget the "why" of these important issues. WE all share this world and this great land, we must never abandon our roots... Justice and Liberty for all!

1. Why is Justice Important to "Establish"? Justice is the Quality of being just or fair. Free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; or conforming with established standards or rules; Of moral excellence. Justice is important because the rules apply to all equally. None are above the law. She makes the game of life fair for all of us so that None receive Favoritism....
   
2. How can one "Insure" Domestic Tranquility? Justice, Freedom, Liberty... Peace and Prosperity. The Difference between Needs and Wants. Everyone NEEDS Food, Water, Shelter... Wants are something that one would "Like" to have... Needs are something that you can not live without. I think that Domestic Tranquility flourishes where the people are Secure, Secure in their Freedom... The People provide for the Government when they work, how does the government repay them when they grow old or fall into a place where they need help simply to Eat, Drink, or find shelter from the cold? Perhaps the Government should help more people to survive, so that those people could help the Government...
   
3. Common Defense of What? Freedom isn't free... By definition Free Costs nothing... But the attribute of you being in a state of Freedom requires that you Defend your freedom from those that wish to impose their "Views" upon you. Liberty is your Freedom of choice... The Constitution grants us all with the Freedom and Liberty to Live and Choose...
   
4. What is "General Welfare"? Welfare of all of those that are fortunate enough to be a part of the United States. Governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need. Those in need of fulfilling their NEEDS. (Those Things needed for Survival). We are a Nation United whether we are Divided physically or mentally about issues or not we are all Americans. The General Welfare is simply General Well Being of every Citizen...
   
5. How can WE secure the Blessings of Liberty? Security is the state of being free from danger or injury. Liberty is Immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence and the Freedom of Choice. So how can we make our freedom of choice free from danger or prevent injury to the liberties we cherish. Simply by retaining our Given Rights, and refusing to commit to anything that will ultimately lead to the defecation of those Liberties we share... One may only be secure in Liberty...
   
   "people willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both"  -Benjamin franklin (also cited to Thomas Jefferson)
   

Whether we are "temporarily" divided by disagreement of an particular Issue we are United By the Fact, We Are Both American! That My Fellow Freedom Lovers is where I find my Security...

Defining Patriotism-  Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it...

 What does patriotism mean to you?
 What does it mean to me?

The Love I feel for my country: Freedom and Liberty... Democracy... Constitution... Justice... Honor... Wisdom... Compassion... Life... F R E E D O M  we all share !!!

Willing to sacrifice for it: Life and Limb... It has been said "Give me Freedom or Give me Death..."  Without the Freedom to live and express, one is as good as dead already.

To me... Patriotism is simply being true yourself...  I look around and I see a nation of infinitely unique faces, different cultures... A luminous swirling vortex of diverse life united together for the ideals Freedom, Life, Justice and Liberty for all. I am luck to be a part of all of this with you...

"I believe America's best days are ahead of us because I believe that the future belongs to freedom, not to fear." John Kerry (1943 - )

Why is it that a Politican Can Raise millions of dollars for their campaign, yet...

Education is underfunded...

Healthcare is Underfunded...

Homeless Starve...

National Deficit is huge...

 

Our Compassionate Governmental Leaders can't solve spending problems, programs severly underfunded, Citizens Working into the Grave just to squeek by...

But,

They always manage to raise millions of dollars for their campaign fund...

Humm?