An American by any other name ...

Because of the rift between the Left and the Right, and just so there is no misrepresentation here I’m referring to the liberals and the Conservatives, or the Democrats and the Republicans.  I know that the line of designation between these two warring parties, and all those who associate with either one is tenuous and wavy, but most people seem to fall into one camp or the other by choice.

One way to think about where you stand is to compare what you think and believe, and what you would like others to think and believe.   

Since we have a Constitution and a Bill or Rights I think it would be appropriate to use the Bill of rights as the rubric for comparison.  Although the following is my opinion I do believe that my opinion has a basis for most Americans; so here we go:

First Amendment

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.

Over the past few years it has been evident to me at least, that the free exercise of religion has been curtailed, especially during the COVID outbreak.  Churches, mostly conservative, not all but most,  who were forced to close, members of those churches were told to stay home and not peaceably assemble, all while riots and “peaceful demonstrations'' were allowed in virtually every major city.  Free speech has been curtailed, primarily for conservative speakers on college campuses, just because non-conservatives demonstrated and the colleges and universities capitulated, stifling the free speech of some….not to mention the social media groups who limit speech for some and allow others free reign.

Second Amendment

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.

One side wants to take your Arms and the other is trying to protect your right to keep and bear Arms,  Hazard a guess who is who?

Third Amendment

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.

No comment.

Fourth Amendment

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.

No comment

Fifth Amendment

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.

No comment

Sixth Amendment

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 defense.  

I don’t know enough about the law in relation to this amendment, but it seems to me that we are skirting a few issues in relation to due process when you look at the outcomes of some of the police shootings and their following prescribed procedures and still be found guilty.  Another example could be the Rittenhouse trial and how obvious it was to me that he was innocent and should never have gone to trial.

Seventh Amendment

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 reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of common law.

No comment

Eighth Amendment

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

I don’t understand this one.

Ninth Amendment

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

Also, this one I don’t understand. I am going to have to do more homework on these that I do not understand...

Tenth Amendment

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 overreach of the federal government has been pervasive and troublesome.  With Biden proposing that the feds can pry into your bank accounts, without your permission is the first that comes to mind.  The mandates for inoculations for COVID or lose your employment is another obvious overreach.  

The Feds want to install a national election process and remove that responsibility by the states.  A national healthcare system is another example of overreach.  There are others that I do not know about but it is clear to me that our constitution is clear on this matter.

The point of this exercise is to demonstrate by comparing our Bill of Rights to your individual beliefs.  If after reading the above you agreed with the Amendments as written then you are a pro-Constitutionalist, however, if you find that you do not agree and want to change the provisions of the Bill of Rights then you are by definition NOT pro American.

Those on the left routinely disregard our laws, as in the recent rash of crimes that deal with individuals and groups who steal under the $1,000 limit and are not prosecuted.  There are also the states, like California who have released thousands of criminals of all kinds back onto our streets, because of COVID.  

Then we look at the border issue and the recent court decision to reinstate Trump's “hold in

Mexico” program that was ignored by Biden for over a year, allowing hundreds of thousands

of illegal immigrants into our country, including thousands of Afghans, flying them into cities

at night.

Are you an American or are you one who wants to change America into something else? If you prefer something else I propose you start your own "America", somewhere else, there is a whole world that agrees with you, at least according to you, so have it, but Don't Tread on Me.