Sweet Land of Liberty

Most of us have a morning routine, and I am no exception. Every day I get up, wrap myself up in a blanket, put my contacts in, grab a bowl of cereal and sit down to eat and watch the news. Mostly for the weather, but I like knowing what's going on in the world too. Now I know the media is "twisted" and we don't always get the whole story or whatever. But I still think it's important to know what you can about what's going on in the world. Especially these days where huge decitions are being made on capitol hill that will surely affect all of us in some way.

Well, I've been getting fed up. And I've about reached my limit! What happened to this country?? I love America and I still think it's the best place to live but why do we have all these pointless problems? Where did this new philosophy "my way or the highway" zero tolerance of anyone else's views or opionions come from? Wasn't America established with the idea that it would be a place of refuge for all people? Look at the statue of Liberty for goodness sake. I feel bad for all those who belong to minorities who feel they are being treated "unfairly" and want "equal rights", but when you think about it, aren't we all in a minority somewhere? None of us always fall into the mainstream views. That's what makes us human, and why we need to accept that we will always have a difference of opinion from someone. And it's not goverment's job to make that go away. It's the government's job to protect our right to disagree.

Now I'm no politician, no expert, and certainly no writer. But neither am I blind, stupid, or naive. I got this email several months ago and I say AMEN to it with all my heart. So I thought I'd share. It is attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. Whether he actually wrote it or not I have no idea, but it doesn't matter who first said it. It rings true whether you're white, black, gay, straight, athiest, catholic, mormon or politician.

BILL OF NON-RIGHTS

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.'



ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. (This one is my pet peeve...get an education and go to work....don't expect everyone else to take care of you!)

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!"

Thanks for letting me vent. I sincerely pray someday those on capitol hill will take a step back and remember the origional intent and purpose of thier positions and government in general.

*Disclaimer. Since I am fully aware that there are many out there who insist on taking offense I figure I'd better add my disclaimer. These are my own thoughts and feelings and are not meant in any way to offend or hurt any person or group of people. If you don't agree that's just fine. In fact, it's your right.