BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the Bill of Rights, enshrining in our Constitution the protection of our inalienable freedoms, from the right to speak our minds and worship as we please to the guarantee of equal justice under the law. For 220 years, these fundamental liberties have shaped our national character and stirred the souls of all who dream of a freer, more just world. As we mark this milestone, we renew our commitment to preserving our universal rights and perfecting our Union.
Introduced in the First Congress in 1789, the Bill of Rights was born out of compromise. The promise of enumerated rights enabled the ratification of the Constitution without fear that a more centralized government would encroach on American freedoms. In adopting the first ten Amendments, our Founders put forth an ideal that continues to define our Nation — that we can have both liberty and security, that we need not sacrifice the rights of man for the rule of law.
Throughout our country’s history, generations have risen to uphold the principles outlined in our Bill of Rights and advance equality for all Americans. The liberties we enjoy today are possible only because of these brave patriots, from the service members who have defended our freedom to the citizens who have braved billy clubs and fire hoses in the hope of extending America’s promise across lines of color and creed. On Bill of Rights Day, we celebrate this proud legacy and resolve to pass to our children an America worthy of our Founders’ vision.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 15, 2011, as Bill of Rights Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
Bill of Rights
Amendment I – Nullified
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 – Nullified
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 – Nullified
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 – Nullified
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- Nullified
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 – Nullified
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 – Nullified
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 – Nullified
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX – Nullified
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X – Nullified
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.
What was the name of that book? Oh yeah……Animal Farm.
Bill of Rights Day? How about American Military Police Day? or better yet States Rights Day? Maybe Banana Republic Day?
Good to see you back, Mark. Have you read the “Open Letter From America’s Port Truck Drivers On Occupy Wall Street” (12/12/11) ? Been waiting to hear your take on that one. 🙂
WOW! Just read it. These drivers have a more direct relationship with the ports than I do. 95% of my loads are picked up where they drop them off. I drive a reefer. A 53 foot trailer with temperature control all over the country. I rarely see home, if you want to call a P.O Box home that us. Mileage is how I’m paid compared to these drivers who are paid by the load. Regardless, we are all in the same boat. A boat with a very big hole in the bottom of it in the middle of the ocean, and sinking fast. This truck is literally my house. I planned it that way. I’ll be working over Christmas, no home time. The freight just isn’t there so I’m forced to work mainly the East Coast.
Everything these drivers said in this open letter is true, hygiene issues and all. Us over the road, line haul drivers have it alot better because of the truck stops along our routes. I’m working for a company who treats their drivers well, thank God. Believe it or not, I’m making more money than I ever have at the moment, things are going well, as long as the freight is there. West Coast loads are not happening at the moment, everything is loading out of the Mid West to points East. This is where the money is and is why it is important to work for companies located in the Midwest who deliver to points East. something a lot of new drivers have a hard time understanding and dealing with. There are drivers who obviously work the West Coast, they are starving right now. I’m able to load both dry freight and refrigerated freight giving me more versatility.
The port driver have my utmost respect, as these guys battle city traffic daily and basically go through hell. We are open road guys delivering what they are dropping off from the ships to the distribution centers. We take it from there to destination to be distributed to the end destinations by others with smaller equipment for the most part. Sometimes we are asked to deliver this stuff direct and have to maneuver 80 foot equipment into the cities direct. Nightmare!
Right now I’m loaded with 43,800 LBS of grain out of Colorado for Chicago, Ill. they want me to deliver into the city, you know the city with all the 13′ 4 high bridges while I’m driving a 13’6 tall truck. : )
I talk to drivers daily who are pissed off, most of these guys hardly ever see their families. they can’t afford too.
Just want to add, you piss off the port drivers enough, all hell will break loose. They can’t stop everything, but they will wreak havoc. Without them, I for the most part don’t move either. Something like 2 million trucks on the road across America daily servicing this country. That kid in that East Coast school is eating his school lunch brought to him by a Mid West truck. He is learning from tools brought to him starting with a port driver, then a line haul driver, then a local driver.
Therein lies the problem.
All of the reps were asked in one debate what they wished Americans would read.Ron Paul answered “The Law” by Frederic Bastiat.I took his advice.It’s free online,takes a slow reader like me about 90 minutes and is damned good advice,as I suspected it would be.