Monday, December 15, is one of America's most important holidays. Arguably it's second most important. Second only to July 4th. It is the day the Bill of Rights was presented to the States for their consideration.

As the Declaration of Independence stated our collective desire for liberty and the sole purpose of government (along with our complaints of the then  current government), so did the Bill of Rights unambiguously declare that people have Rights that cannot be superseded or interfered with by government at any level. That these Rights are granted not by any instrument of government, but come into being the moment we are born, and can never be taken away from us, without our permission. That the government is prohibited from enacting any legislation in these areas. It was written in clear, unambiguous and plain language for everyone to understand.  And this Bill of Rights spells out a few of those Rights.

Government -- at all levels -- has violated our Rights ever since.

That's what they do.

So pick up a copy of the Bill of Rights. Contemplate the meaning of each, including the preamble. Think about how much of our liberties have been trampled by government. A usurpation these days we take as a given --- so accustomed to being herded and gelded we have become.

THE Conventions of a number of the States having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution.
 

Amendment II

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 reexamined 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