Why do we have rights guaranteed in the constitution?

Question

Some people seem to think that only criminals and people with something to hide are worried about preserving their freedoms. Do you think that our fore fathers were thinking of criminals when they wrote the declaration, and later when the constitution guaranteed our rights? Or was it to stop governments from interfering in people's lives? I have nothing to hide. If the government doesn't trust me on that, why should I trust them?

yes, vno, it would. Those people pay for the information, and the government had the right to pay for it too. But they chose to change the rules for them...

vno, I tried to contact you to talk about this, but you have no contact info...I will never understand you cons...Nobody is profiting for the sake of profiting. If you recall, Reagan won the cold war by bankrupting the USSR. Using the same logic, if the government had to pay, they might be more judicious in their actions...like having good reason, not carte blanche, for spying on americans. That's right, I'm not a liberal. I'm conservative, and I and many other conservatives respond to the almighty dollar. Bush and his administration are the ones confusing you, for they are not conservative

Answer 1

Because a guy named George was trampling all over their rights. They felt the need to protect us from furute abuses at the hands of men named George!

Answer 2

certain, there are various circumstances the position Constitutional rights were suspended, throughout time of warfare, nationwide Emergency, or with the aid of nationwide safe practices. the region is in what rights and the length of the suspension, Clinton had the Justice Dept. round-up dozens of suspected terrorists previous to New 3 hundred and sixty 5 days's 1999 to stay away from terrorist attacks (it worked) , and they were then released on New 3 hundred and sixty 5 days's Day. Roosevelt on the different hand indefinitely interred jap human beings throughout WW2. also keep in mind that regulations are altered or reversed on an ordinary foundation in this usa, both legislatively with the help of Congress and with the help of evaluation of the Judiciary. replacing a regulation isn't violating the regulation, see the repeal of Prohibition.

Answer 3

I know this is a reaction to my question (which is fine) and my only response is that when you engage in criminal activity (especially terrorism) you forfeit ALL of your rights.

I am not engaging in anything of that nature, so I do not feel ANY of my rights have been violated. My life continues as always.

I also believe it is naive to think that no one monitors you in your daily life. Your spending habits are fodder for all kinds of marketing information firms that track you every day. If those people were reporting terrorist transactions rather than the government doing it directly, would it make you feel better?

ADD: So profiteering for terrorist information is OK, but seeking profit for personal gain is wrong? I'll never understand the liberal mindset. If you are being spied on, you are being spied on. Why does it matter if the feds do it, or some marketing firm?

Answer 4

Actually, most of the rights guaranteed in the consitution are phrased as limitations on government action.

And because they are limitations on government action, most apply regardless of who the government is acting against.

In honor of Pastor Martin Niemöller:

First they came for the 6th Amendment, but I hadn't been accused of a crime, so I didn't object to denial of counsel.

Then they came for the 4th Amendment, but I wasn't talking to anyone overseas, so they wouldn't be monitoring me.

Then they came for the rest of the 4th Amendment, but I only called my mother, so there was nothing suspicious in my phone records.

Then they came for the 1st Amendment, but I never associated with criminals, so I didn't worry about being convicted purely based on what other people might do.

Then they came for the 14th Amendment, but I never really understood the rules for Due Process (and wasn't allowed an attorney), so I didn't object.

Then they came for the rest of the 1st Amendment, but I never told anyone about what the government was doing, so again I remained silent.

Then they came for the 5th Amendment, ...... and I no longer had the right to remain silent.

Answer 5

The answer goes back to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

King John made concessions to the nobles.

The US Government made concessions to the citizens of the land. Those concessions were extended until 9/11. Now, those concessions are being taken back until the occupant of the White House = Hitler, Stalin, Mao, etc.

Answer 6

The Constitution was to set up what the US government is supposed to do, and to to spell out very clearly in such terms that you would have to be a member of the American Bar Association, what it is prohibited from doing. Unfortunately sometime in the early 70's judges decided that the constitution is a "living" document. They simply started changing it from the bench to suit what they want. That has pretty much rendered our Constitution useless. Oh and one more thing, NEVER EVER TOTALLY TRUST THE GOVERNMENT! I DON'T CARE WHO IS IN CHARGE JUST DON'T TRUST THEM TOTALLY. Do trust them a little, but not totally.

Answer 7

If you would read your history you would know that. You would also know that in 1961 the thirteen colonies got the right to vote. They were given that right by President John F. Kennedy. Just a few days ago George Bush gave them another twentyfive years.

Answer 8

your right some fool asked a question earlier-"what do you have to hide". i guess its okay for a stranger to listen to every conversation i have on the phone and read my e-mails.what is wrong with these people, lol.

Answer 9

only the ones the demorats haven't managed to get in front of a federal judge to change, but, they're working on the rest of them

Answer 10

To keep dictatorial leaders like g.w. in check.