With Charity For All

Ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 signaled a new and exciting time for this country. It was a time when the country's citizens (most of them, anyway) could celebrate new found freedoms. The freedom of the press, of religion, the freedom to peaceably assemble, to petition the government for a redress of grievances and of course, the freedom of speech.

There are exceptions to all of the above, but the First Amendment is easily the cornerstone of this nation, exceptions and all. Fear of oppression for expressing our thoughts is no longer feasible.

We enjoy the right to due process - to be charged with a crime only where there is probable cause - the right to have an attorney represent us in criminal cases, the right to a jury trial in criminal cases, the right (with the exception of capital murder cases) to bail, the right to privacy - and to have that right violated only when there is darn good reason for it (like having a search or arrest warrant) and the right to be confronted by our accusers.

What a deal we have in the U.S.of A. Democracy is a wonderful thing. So, how much of that are we now willing to give up?

It's a question of great interest of late, and one worthy of robust debate and discussion.

Many of us are willing to give up whatever it takes, for the 'greater good' of fighting, and winning, the 'new war' on terrorism. Others believe that too much was sacrified by those who came before us, in gaining ratification for the Bill of Rights, to abrogate them now.

That to yield cherished rights in response to those thugs who are willing to commit murder and mayhem on this soil, is to in effect, waive the white flag in defeat. That it is a call to passionately protect those guarantees.

Frankly, I find myself in the second school of thought. And I would hasten to add that although ours is a Constitution for the U.S.of A., we should show the same persistence in defending, and supporting our fellow lovers of democracy - wherever they may be.

The U.S. is not alone in this world, nor will she be successful in accomplishing international goals, without others who are part of the international community. No man is an island and we unquestionably need each other to attain our common goals.

Charity does begin at home, and we are obligated to BE the things that we so often hear the powers-that-be tell us that we are. To 'protect and defend' the rights that define our very being, for ALL of us, is no small part of that obligation. Arrogance and hypocrisy, although pervasive, have no productive place.

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