There has been increasing discussions in US politics about expanding our concept of human rights to cover food, health care, education, and a clean environment.
Certainly we should care for one another, and use our liberties well. But I've continued to have a nagging doubt about applying the term "right" to these things.
I thought this was a helpful analysis:
"Part of the problem is that most Americans don't understand what a right is. A right is not a guarantee that the government (i.e., other people) will provide you something for free. We have the right to engage in religious expression, but that doesn't mean that the government pays for the construction of the church. We have the right to peacefully assemble, but the government doesn't promise to supply your transportation. You have the right to keep and bear arms, but don't expect the government to provide you with a free firearm and bullets. You have the right to free speech, but the government won't grant you free radio or TV air time. What makes something a right is not whether the government can force somebody else to pay for it. What defines something as a right is whether the government can or cannot prohibit you from doing it. ... If the government can't stop you from doing it, then it's a right." --columnist Rich Hrebic
Your thoughts?
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1 comment:
A right is something that not even government is able to take away. And there are very few rights in society. But a lot of our freedoms are based on these few rights a foundation. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, gives us and US citizens the freedom and power to be more and do more then any other people as long as we do not giveup these rights because it is just easier
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