Happy Fourth of July

Dear Hines Terrace Herald Readers,

    I know we have come to a time when so many in this country are afraid to say that America is the best country. There are those that feel America has done so much wrong and that all those wrongs darken any of the light the country may have ever shone to the world. There are those that feel that we are now living in the sunset of our great country. And to be honest, I don't exactly disagree with the last feeling. I look around and wonder why so many can't seem to see that what made this country so great is still here, but it is hidden because great things are always hidden. I just hope enough people can find it within themselves to work at finding out just what those items were that made this country great and still make it great. We must not forget that millions still flock here to see if there dreams come true. We must not forget that we can worship how we want, when we want, and who we want here. We must not forget that we can tell the president and any governmental official they are terrible and that we hate them and we don't have to fear for our lives. We must not forget that if you work hard, America is still the country where you can go as far as you are willing to go in your dreams. It does not take one long to read or study and know that this is not true in any country except this one. Yes, China is blasting to the top, but did you know that the majority of their population is illiterate and don't have electricity in their homes and neither is a choice they make on their own. Yes, Europe is more "free-thinking", but how much of Europe's current economic picture do we want here? So, all of this to say that  I wasn't really sure exactly what to post about, but have decided to include the, Bill of Rights, because it feels that so many have forgotten what exactly is a right and what is a privilege. I feel if these two words could be correctly understood, so many ills in this country would fade away. So, without further ado, here they are:

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 offense 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 defense.

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 reexamined 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.


Happy Reading and Happy Independence Day,


  David