Fundamental Truths

Declaration of Independence

These TRUTHS are self evident:

• All men are created equal
  • This does not say that all men must remain equal.
  • We will become unequal due to studies, personal experience, diligence of work and blessings from God.
  • It is not the government's job to KEEP us equal.
  • Unfortunately, this is what they try to do with a progressive "income" tax, and various "social" programs.
• All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights
  • Neither the Constitution or the Government gives us rights, civil or otherwise.
  • Our Rights are a gift from our Creator.
  • A right can not be restrained or taken away.
    • except as a penalty for some offense.
  • Unfortunately, the government constantly tries to exchange our rights for privileges.
    • Since privileges can be given,
      privileges can be taken away.
• Among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness
  • It is our right to constructive use of our abilities.
  • We are not guaranteed happiness.
    • We are guaranteed the pursuit of happiness.
  • You should never turn to Government because you are unhappy about some situation.
  • It is NOT the government's job to make everyone happy,
    because in trying to do so they would inevitably usurp someone else's Rights.

To secure the above stated Rights:

• Governments are instituted among men
  • Why would we institute a government?
    • To secure our Rights.
    • That is the major job of the government.
  • These governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
    • Too many people think government gives rights and are all powerful.
    • The government only has powers we give them.
    • Our Rights are gifts from our Creator.

Constitution

We, the People of the United States, in order to

• form a more perfect Union,
• establish Justice,
• insure domestic Tranquility,
• provide for the common defense,
• promote the general Welfare,
  • This does not refer to our current "Welfare" system!!!
• secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity

do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Bill of Rights

• People have (God-given) rights.
• Governments have powers.
• Powers delegated to them by the people.
• Rights never entail power over others
• Powers always do

• As stated in the Declaration of Independence,
• People have God-given Rights.
• The Bill of Rights was instituted to ensure our government does not usurp these Rights

The United States is not a democracy. It is a Constitutional Republic.

Discuss these fundamental truths

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