George Ought to Help

While you might think George "ought" to help his friend, is it moral to force him to help?

Happy Bill of Rights Day

On December 15, 1791, the U.S. Constitution was amended to include the Bill of Rights.  George Mason, a delegate from Virginia, had refused to vote for the Constitution at the Philadelphia convention because it did not include a bill of rights.  Afterwards, he and his fellow Anti-Federalists fought against ratification of the Constitution unless a bill of rights was added.   Fearing ratification was going to fail, the Federalists agreed to add a bill of rights once the new government was established.

While the Bill of Rights has not always been able to stop the government from abusing the rights of Americans, it has served at times as a break to slow down the abuses.  So for that, thank you Mr. Mason.

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 II

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 III

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 IV

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 V

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 VI

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 VII

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 VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

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.

The Philosophy of Liberty: Property

This is a very well done video by The Foundation for a Free Society on the philosophical arguments for property rights.

Great New Site for Historical Documents - The Patriot Post

The Patriot Post has done a yoeman's job in putting together a comprehensive list of historical documents that any student of liberty should have bookmarked.    

Here is a list of the Founding Documents:

• The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
• The Articles of Confederation (November 15, 1777)
• The New Jersey Plan (June 15, 1787)
• Hamilton’s Plan of Union (June 18, 1787)
• Letter Of Transmittal (September 17, 1787)
• The Constitution of the United States of America (September 17, 1787)
• The Federalist Papers (1787-1788)
• The First Ten Amendments as Ratified (1789)
• Bill of Rights Preamble (1789)
• Madison's Proposal for the Bill of Rights (June 8, 1789)
• The Bill of Rights (December 15, 1791)
• Amendments 11-27 to the Constitution of the United States (February 7, 1795)

But there is much more than that.  Check it out.

Small Government and Free Enterprise Video: Best 10 Minute Explanation Ever

Camp Politics Video

This amusing video from The Institute for Justice on a camp to train future politicians.

Bill of Rights Institute Website

The Bill of Rights Institute has a very educational website.  Here is a video that walks through their site.