Freedom Under Attack

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

-- Thomas Jefferson, author of The Declaration of Independence, signed 4 July 1776.

Our Way of Life is Under Siege from Within -- trading essential personal freedoms for the illusion of personal security will result in the destruction of America quicker than any terrorist attack. From "zero tolerance" in schools (where elementary children are led away in handcuffs for bringing scissors to class) to the humiliating searches of senior citizens at airports across the country, we are quickly becoming a police state. And a pre-emptive war, declared under false pretenses, is something that would have been unthinkable for Americans just a few years ago. Americans aren't stupid, although most are frightened -- but we must master our fear before we give away every last vestige of personal freedom. Don't get me wrong -- I support our troops, respect our professional soldiers. and believe they deserve better pay and especially better protection. But we went to war based on a lie -- a Big Lie. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction and had no link to Sept 11. As of today, Christmas Eve, 2004, one thousand one hundred and sixty-three Americans have died in Iraq. Tens of thousands more have been wounded in combat or injured in battlefield accidents. And more than one hundred thousand Iraqi civilians have been killed in the crossfire. As Graham Nash said thirty years ago, it's time to stop the madness.

-- Max McCoy

The following text, in white, is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the Bill of Rights. It is the primary source for most of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. The text is from The National Archives & Records Administration.

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.

Explore more national treasures at The National Archives & Records Administration.

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