I propose a series of 10 Amendments to the Constitution, collectively to be known as the Bill of Responsibilities, and accompanying each of the original 10 amendments:
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 I-A
Everyone has the responsibility to ensure that all religious beliefs are protected, that no religion or set of religious beliefs shall be more protected than others. That we have the responsibility, individually and collectively, to ensure that our free speech shall not inflict harm on others. That as we peaceably assemble, we recognize the rights of others. That when we petition the Government for redress of grievances, our grievances shall be of significance to ourselves and others and not petty grievances.
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 II-A
That we recognize that the State has the authority to regulate, per the Constitution, our arms and how they are used, and that this does not infringe on our rights. That we understand safety and security are not the same, and that we take responsibility for the safety of ourselves, our family and others as we exercise our right to bear arms.
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 III-A
That we, as a People, shall take responsibility to honor and respect those who Serve in our Armed Services.
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 IV-A
That we have the responsibility to assist our law enforcement officers without endangering ourselves or submitting to unlawful or unreasonable search and seizure.
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 V-A
That we have the responsibility as a People to conform to just laws and act in accordance with the Rule of Law.
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 VI-A
That individuals must act in our own defense, we must also provide witness and assistance to those unjustly accused.
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 VII-A
That we must not engage in frivolous suits and use the law to our own selfish purposes.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment VIII-A
That we define cruel and unusual punishments and ensure that all laws and punishments are justly and equally applied.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment IX-A
That we bear the responsibility to ensure that the rights that may not be mentioned in this Constitution are nonetheless real, that we may not deny the People's rights, nor restrict those rights except as defined by the Constitution of the United States.
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.
Amendment X-A
That it is the responsibility of all citizens to respect the rights of others, to recognize and respect the powers and authority of the United States and the various States, and to act in accordance with the law. But that civil disobedience is a right we claim under Amendment IX of the Constitution, where unjust laws may have been imposed and that unlawfully deny or disparage the Constitutional rights of the People.
No comments:
Post a Comment