Were you born free or are you made free by the Constitution?

Answer 1

People are born free. The Constitution is simply the contract between the people and their government that the government will recognize those innate rights and through the power of government, see to it that those freedoms are not infringed. I will never forget the comment by former Attorney General Janet Reno, in answer to a questions from European reporters regarding the source of America’s prosperity. She said that Americans are prosperous because of the rights the government gives the people. To her and her ilk, our rights come from the government. Perhaps a Freudian slip on her part.

Answer 2

Like Coragryph, my answer is neither. But I have a slightly different reason for saying neither.

I was not "born free" because of the fact that I was born in a civilized society which, by necessity, imposes rules on what people can and cannot do. The only way I could have been "born free" would have been if I were born in a lawless society.

And the Constitution does not make me free, either. Because under our Constitution, we have a structured government which makes many, many laws prohibiting people from doing whatever they want to do.

Naturally, I say these things because I interpret your word "free" to mean a lack of rules. I think you need to cabin the scope of what you mean by "free."

Answer 3

Neither.

The Constitution sets limits on what the government can do to restrict your freedoms. It does not make anyone free. It simply prevents the govt from regulating certain activities.

I say people were not born free because as a society and a species, we don't have enough respect for individuality and diversity that people are free to be who they want to be.

Individuals who do not conform -- to their religion, their peers, their parents -- are criticized and ridiculed and ostracized. That's not freedom.

So, we aren't born free. And the constitution just ensures that the government is limited in terms of how many more regulations and limitations can be imposed.

Answer 4

The Constitution does not give one his freedom, but rather a right to it. You are free because you exist.

Coragryph: True it is, that evil in society robs people of their freedom. However, I believe that you contradict yourself in your statement. You ARE born free. Otherwise, what would there be for evil to rob in the first place? The Constitution is not merely meant to limit the government from imposing restrictions...it OVERSEES that you do not become a slave. I beg to differ with you. Just because society/government has a way of taking your freedom, it is NEVER a reason for you to willingly surrender them. Personally, I will never tell evil, "I am not free." Regardless of what society/government does to restrict one's freedoms, and no matter where you come from, you are and can be free, if only within your mind.

Answer 5

I was born free BECAUSE OF the Constitution.

Answer 6

Even in this modern world many individuals are not born free.
Slavery still exist, and often babies are sold in many parts of the world. In China female babies are still killed by the 10,000's. Orphan or abandoned children in many parts of the world are put into forced labor or just allowed to starve.
In many Arab countries female orphan children are allowed to be starved.
The US Constitution protects the rights of many Americans, individuals born under it have greater rights of freedom then in most of the world.
However, freedom today does not mean freedom tomorrow, someone must be always willing to die for that freedom.

Answer 7

Ask the poeple of North Korea that question.