Uncontrollable Restraints
by Robert A. Baird
March 3, 2002
In 1791 a document was delivered as demanded by the American People to ensure that our new government was appropriately restrained from abusing our individual liberties and freedoms. The Revolutionary War took about eight years to win from proclamation of the Declaration of Independence, and the American people did not want another bloodshed process about government not being in check of the People. A new nation fought hard for our new nation, and the idea that any government could rebuke our individual freedoms was repugnant, at best.
The Bill of Rights was cast in 1791 to ensure restraints about government
toward our individual liberties within the new government charter, the Constitution. The Bill of Rights was not a manifest for government control; it was the
contrary — imposed upon the Constitution to restrain government. At the time, some said it didn’t go far enough; others said it went too far as it encouraged the earlier and weaker Articles of Confederation charter; the central issue, however, was to create a government that manifested strength while limiting government about our individual rights.
Adopted in December 15, 1791:
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.
Our first amendment has always been the guidepost of our great nation, permitting and encouraging ideas that have made our nation the greatest on Earth, not only by wealth but also for individual rights. And within the past week, we see Congress taking away the People’s authority. We see Congress denying our liberties. We see Congress denying amendments by Dick Armey.
We are seeing Congress lie to the American People, today. We are seeing the demise of our free and great nation with the passage of HR 2356. We are witnessing the loss of our government restraints by the uncontrollable. We are seeing uncontrollable restraints. These ideas lead to revolution 250 years ago, too.
