America

Many people say I am entitled because of the country that I live in. Of course, they mean that in a derogatory way. However, I feel I am entitled. The Constitution and the Amendments to the Constitution give me rights. Countless people have fought to protect that right for me.

There have been 27 Amendments to the Constitution. This proves that our founding fathers thought of each person. They protect the rights of the alleged criminals - giving them the right to a fair trial; when the alleged victim may be saying “Fry you pig!” Before women had the right to vote, and before African Americans were a free people, their rights were protected.

While some of these rights (guns, abortions, religion, etc.) bring dissension to the masses, the Constitution is at work protecting our freedoms. One of our many rights is the right to elect officials.

The 27 Amendments to the Constitution

1. Freedom of Religion, Press, and Expression - People pro- and con- to an issue has the right to express their opinion. Read a newspaper, watch a news program, and this is evident. However, even though those views can be upsetting, they are rights we have been given. There are many different religious practices in the USA. Although not everyone agrees on religious issues, the right to be spiritual/religious has been given to us. Not everyone has to agree.
2. Right to Bear Arms - Those that carry guns, this Amendment is for you.
3. Quartering of Soldiers
4. Search and Seizure
5. Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings
6. Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses - We aren't allowed to rot in prison. Thank goodness.
7. Trial by Jury in Civil Cases - Everyone has the right to be given a day in court for justice to be decided.
8. Cruel and Unusual Punishment
9. Construction of Constitution
10. Powers of the States and People -Each individual state has government decisions to make.
11. Judicial Limits
12. Choosing the President, Vice President - They regulate commerce (which influences our economy), regulate the Armed Forces, veto or pass laws, veto or pass taxes, and so on. Whom we vote for is a serious undertaking. The people we elect are responsible for happenings in our lives for years to come.
13. Slavery is Abolished - Yeah Lincoln!
14. Citizenship Rights - I'm so ambivalent about this because of 9/11 I can't say anything without sounding biased.
15. Race No Bar to Vote
16. Status of Income Tax Clarified
17. Senators Elected by Popular Vote
18. Liquor Abolished
19. Women's Suffrage
20. Presidential, Congressional Terms
21. Amendment 18 Repealed - The ban on liquor is rescinded.
22. Presidential Term Limits - This is to avoid the dictatorship of one president being in office for many years.
23. Presidential Vote for District of Columbia
24. Poll Taxes Barred
25. Presidential Disability and Succession
26. Voting Age Set to 18 Years
27. Limiting Congressional Pay Increases

Today is July 4, a day to give thanks to our founding forefathers for having the foresight to put our rights on paper. Remembering this makes me very proud to be an American. That sounds corny - but it's the truth.

I have always been thankful to the many people who have served in the Armed Forces. For me, 9/11 stirred a wealth of emotions; one of those was definitely pride in the United States of America.

I realize I have been less than focused in this article, but there are so many reasons I am proud of to be an American. Thanks for reading until the end.

God Bless America!