More importantly, what rights should we have? Evaluating our rights was one of the findings that was revealed in a recent survey by the American Revolution Center. The analysis of the survey is lengthy, but I did want to bring some very interesting findings to your attention for feedback. The question posed to the respondents was, "Is it essential that Americans have the right to [insert name of specific right], important but not esssential, or not that important?" The following represents a summary of the answers to that question (by percentage):
1. The right to a fair trial (Essential = 84%, Important = 14%, Not important = 1%)
2. The right to practice the religion of your choice (Essential = 80%, Important = 18%, Not important = 2%)
3. The right to privacy (Essential = 76%, Important = 22%, Not important = 2%)
4. The right to speak freely about whatever you want (Essential = 70%, Important = 28%, Not important = 2%)
5. The right to practice no religion (Essential = 66%, Important = 23%, Not important = 10%)
6. The right to assemble, march, protest, or petition the government (Essential = 65%, Important = 29%, Not important = 6%)
7. The right to not have your property searched or seized (Essential = 59%, Important = 32%, Not important = 6%)
8. The right to own firearms (Essential = 45%, Important = 35%, Not important = 19%)
So, what do you think? As many people may or may not know, these are the kinds of rights guaranteed every American in the U.S. Constitution. (For the list of the Bill of Rights and the other amendments to the Constitution, click here.) Whatever one may think of them, they are ours and the reasoning behind them is worth revisiting, even in this modern age. We certainly could all use a refresher. :)
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