Eons: View message "Bill of Rights " in Tough Questions and Answers Group

Message 2642 of 3386

Bill of Rights

Here's a tough one--or, at least i thought so when my brother and i were discussing it. We were discussing the level of violence in this country, and the fear people have. (in memphis it is the WORST). Will there come a day, and will people be willing, to modify the bill of rights in order to have a safer society--amendment 1--right of assembly, & amendment 4--protection against search and seizure without warrant. IF it became so lawless and if, for example, the 'gangs' seem to be taking over as a gang member stated they could do--he was bragging about how MANY gang members there are and how widespread it is--but if it became that lawless, would anyone be willing to have the bill of rights lifted for a certain amount of time--say, 4 years--in order to get things under control. Also, Miranda rights, many technical violations, etc. How far are we willing to go to be 'safe'?.....ddtop

posted by ddtop

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ddtop... Those who are willing to give up some of their rights for some security, get neighter. I know the crime rate is tough, and it means the people doing more to help themselves, since police can only respond after the fact, but when you begin taking rights away, it's very hard to ever get them back. Freedom is not a safe and cosy thing. It is a place where we can do more things for ourselves, and we have more responsiblities because of it.
Bless be, Astrid

posted by astridove
10 months ago

I think the level of violence is grossly overrated, thanks to the media.

posted by Nimbus
10 months ago

If violence did become that much of a problem, I would much rather see liberal concealed carry laws for law-abiding citizens than revoking of search and seizure laws, Miranda, and the like.

Funny how not knowing who's armed puts a damper on gang impulses.

posted by Nimbus
10 months ago

I love Memphis, didn't know it was that bad! Gangs are everywhere! I personally think all gang members should be rounded up and sent over to Iraq where they can play with real bad dudes!

posted by abbygal
10 months ago

Nimbus If you keep this up, you will be come one of us good guys. And you are correct tey again.

It would not take a Constitutional Amendment.

If Memphis is really that bad, maybe a good Company of Light Infantry and a repeal of Posse Comatatus.

FW

posted by FlyWacko
10 months ago

This country has the crime level it deserves because the citizenry has abdicated it's responsibility to police their own neighborhoods, towns and cities to institutionalized peace keeping forces. Until the people determine to take back their neighborhoods and cities from the escalating criminal element, the security/protection of the non-criminals will be less than adequate. The 'let George do it' attitude is in full sway.

Marti in Mexico

posted by MartiInMexico
10 months ago

Modifying the Constitution is a long and difficult process, requiring not only passage by 2/3 of both houses of Congress but ratification by 3/4 of the states. Requiring such a majority of both legislators and general public support helps assure that the Constitution will not be amended lightly or for a whim of public sentiment.

Could it happen? Sure. Anyone who insists "it can't happen here" misses some lessons from history.

Will it happen? I doubt it. We Americans guard our documented rights pretty jealously.

On the other hand, it doesn't have to happen. In the current administration, we've seen how public sentiment (fear after 9/11) can indirectly (through the war powers act) result in justification of governmental action (warrantless wiretaps) that in another time would have been considered unacceptable violations of the Bill of Rights.

Legislation doesn't have to do it. Executive action and exploitation of fear can work.

posted by MrBassMan
10 months ago

The BILL OF RIGHTS should not be tampered with. If the problem is that bad there are other ways of dealing with it.

posted by JeffCon
10 months ago

I will not give up any rights. We have already given up too many.A change in the Bill Of Rights will have about as much effect as posting the Ten Commandments in court houses.

The gangs exist a result of the drug culture in this country, althogh there are psycological reasons for joining. Its time to look at legalization methods and cut off gang income.

posted by umac
10 months ago

Cutting off illegal immigration and getting rid of illegals already here will have a great positive impact on getting rid of gangs. Help crime in general in fact.

posted by JeffCon
10 months ago

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