That's all I can say. Brings a tear to my eye just reading it.

RB

It is Constitution Week, after all.

on the right column of this site's home page!

RB

BILL OF RIGHTS
THE FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
AS RATIFIED BY THE STATES

Note: The following text is a transcription of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."

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 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.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

I had this wonderful idea to be witty, smart, and intelligent and compare the number of words within the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence to make a point about the forethought and conciseness of our founding fathers...instead I found this interesting article...

I guess sometimes you should just leave the being smart stuff to the smart people!

Your link Outsider is appreciated. It's a good read.

We should remind ourselves frequently and educate our children to the original purpose(s) our founding fathers worked so hard to frame.
I can't help but imagine how our United States would be different if every citizen (and I know we say we do it in school) would read and gain an understanding of said documents intent. I'd also like to imagine we would hold our leaders accountable.

The tools are there to hold government accountable unless we allow those privileged manipulators the opportunity to water down a good thing as it exists in original form.

Has the Patriot Act been in our (citizens) best interest?

An odd thought: It's those folks that think they are smarter this year, this decade, this century, that have the grand ideas to "amend" and update -- as if we need to update. Get the original intent mastered and you really don't have to "overthink" for the rest of us dummies (smile). I guess we can always make improvements but those in power at the time aren't always looking out for everyone best interests and generally, by the time we figure that out the damage has been done.

"Power To the People" (if they'd only get out and go vote!)