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Why do we celebrate our declaration of independence, yet largely forget to celebrate our declaration of the rights of men?
Today is the 216th anniversary of the ratification of the US Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, specifically stating limitations placed upon our federal government. Extensive annotation of each of these amendments can be found easily at FindLaw.com.
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.
Today in history ~ the birth of John Chapman
John Chapman was born on September 26th, 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts. He later became known as Johnny Appleseed.
A sign at his birthplace reads, “He planted seeds that others might enjoy fruit”
A new favorite reference site.
Reading up on my fave beverage today and found a wonderful resource - CoffeeResearch.org. Information on everything I can think of wanting to know, including how to grow your own coffee trees, how to go about roasting your own beans, the process used to evaluate beans, and of course, what ratio of grounds to water you want to used for the perfect cup of coffee.
Can you draw a silhouette map of the United States from memory?
This canvas by artist Kim Dingle doesn’t look like a map, more like a herd of cows. But actually it’s a collection of maps. The artist asked teen-aged school kids in Las Vegas to draw their country in the shape they thought it had.
Full article can be found here
The Seven Warning Signs of Bogus Science
A good article, well-written, an entertaining read by Robert L. Park
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is investing close to a million dollars in an obscure Russian scientist’s antigravity machine, although it has failed every test and would violate the most fundamental laws of nature. The Patent and Trademark Office recently issued Patent 6,362,718 for a physically impossible motionless electromagnetic generator, which is supposed to snatch free energy from a vacuum. And major power companies have sunk tens of millions of dollars into a scheme to produce energy by putting hydrogen atoms into a state below their ground state, a feat equivalent to mounting an expedition to explore the region south of the South Pole.
Continue Reading »
Don’t know Machiavelli? Or don’t remember what you did know?
His most famous work, The Prince, is frequently cited as one of the best works of political theory in history. Frequently he is cited as one of the founders of modern political science.
Read the book.
Don’t react to it.
Think about it.
Machiavellian
Pronunciation: “ma-kE-&-’ve-lE-&n, -’vel-y&n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Niccolo Machiavelli
1 : of or relating to Machiavelli or Machiavellianism
2 : suggesting the principles of conduct laid down by Machiavelli; specifically : marked by cunning, duplicity, or bad faith
According to Merriam Webster
