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Bill of Rights Day: December 15th Honors Our Rights And Freedoms.

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Bill of Rights Day is celebrated around the country on December 15th, honoring the anniversary of the incorporation of the Bill of Rights into the U.S. Constitution.

It was in 1941 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed that Americans should pay tribute to the Bill of Rights on this day, taking note that it was the 150th anniversary of this important date in history. U.S. citizens are encouraged to display the American flag and to spend some time reflecting on the Rights and freedoms the Bill of Rights represents to the country.

The Bill of Rights outlines our freedom and rights while at the same time showing how far from the mark we’ve have strayed from the original intent of these rights.

It’s unfortunate the most Americans ignore the importance of Bill of Rights Day but what’s worse is that most politicians ignore the Bill of Rights on a day to day basis.

If the Bill of Rights were adhered to there wouldn’t be a Patriot Act, nor would there be any federal programs that haven’t first been sanctioned by the American Constitution.

This day should be looked upon by Americans as a day to take some time and think about the safeguards the Constitution has put into place, whether the U.S. government and politicians fully acknowledge these rights or not.

The fight for all the rights and freedoms as summarized in the Bill of Rights will always be an ongoing battle in this country.

However, it’s important to honor the milestones that have been met as well as all the affirmative developments that have been implemented.

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The Bill of Rights

To have a better understanding of the significance of the Bill of Rights Day, it’s important to know just what the ten amendments of the Bill of Rights are all about.

Following is a shortened version of the American Bill of Rights:

• First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition.
  
• Second Amendment – Right to keep and bear arms.
  
• Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.
  
• Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
  
• Fifth Amendment – due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain.
  
• Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and rights of the accused; Confrontation Clause, speedy trial, public trial, right to counsel.
  
• Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.
  
• Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
  
• Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
  
• Tenth Amendment – Powers of states and people.

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The Patriot Act Attacks the American Constitution

The Patriot Act was signed on October 26, 2001 by George W. Bush. The USA PATRIOT ACT stands for ”Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001”.

This act allows law enforcement to search through the e-mail, financial, medical, phone, and other records of any U.S. citizen.

It also eases up on previous restrictions that were in place when it came to collecting foreign intelligence information within the country.

Even though most members of Congress supported the Patriot Act it has been widely criticized for infringing on the protections of civil liberties.

In particular, the act allows law enforcement to search into the personal and confidential records of anyone they please, without due cause. This in and of itself is unconstitutional.

One of the reasons the Patriot Act raises much alarm is that under its definition terrorism is identified to include any group or individual that tries to implement change for any ideological or political reason.

This includes carrying a picket sign or signing a petition. The Patriot Act blatantly ignores the freedom and civil rights which have been granted to every American within the Bill of Rights.

On December 15th, Bill of Rights Day, it’s more important than every for people to reinforce the true meaning of the Constitution.

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Military Commissions Act of 2006 Against the Bill of Rights

President Bush signed the Military Commissions Act on October 17th, 2006. The purpose of this act was ‘‘To authorize trial by military commission for violations of the law of war, and for other purposes”.

What this is means is that the right of habeas corpus is ignored if the United States believes a person is an enemy in the Global War of Terror.

Habeas corpus is a legal order issued by a court of law to a prison official with an order that the prisoners be brought to court so it can be determined if they have been unlawfully imprisoned and if they should be granted freedom.

The Military Commissions Act gives almost unlimited power to the President of the United States to try any person held in prison and considered to be an enemy in the War on Terrorism.

The infringement of habeas corpus rights is unconstitutional, clearly violating the Bill of Rights. B

ill of Rights Day is the perfect opportunity for Americans to make it known that they don’t agree with the Military Commissions Act.

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Does Homeland Security Breach the Contract of the Bill of Rights?

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 established a separate and unique department of government, the Department of Homeland Security.

The HSA clearly violates the 4th Amendment as it allows the Homeland Security Department to conduct unreasonable searches and seizures without a proper warrant.

Constitutional rights are there for a reason: to keep the government from infringing upon the rights of American citizens.

Once again, Bill of Rights Day is the ideal time for Americans to speak up about the importance of the Constitution and to make sure their voice is heard.

The more people unite together on this day, the larger the impact will be in the media, educating citizens around the country and alerting them to the dangers to the Bill of Rights.

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