elg@killer.UUCP (Eric Green) (02/06/88)
in article <1915@optilink.UUCP>, cramer@optilink.UUCP (Clayton Cramer) says: > >> in article <3313@sphinx.uchicago.edu>, cute@sphinx.uchicago.edu (John Robert Cavallino) says: >> > In article <162@octopus.UUCP> pete@octopus.UUCP (Pete Holzmann) writes: >> >>In article <6780@agate.BERKELEY.EDU> mwm@eris.UUCP (Mike (My watch has windows) Meyer) writes: >> >>>demonstrates the common fallacy of thinking that anything you can do >> >>>can be turned into a right: >> Legally, the only "rights" guaranteed you are those in the Constitution and in >> the various laws which have been passed by Congress over the years (e.g., the >> Voting Rights Act, etc.). What society thinks is irrelevant, except insofar as >> it is reflected in legislative action. > 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. Very interesting. But doesn't define what a "right" is. Do artists have a right to make a living at practicing their art? That's the question on hand. Practically, a thing isn't a right unless it's defined as such, either by the Constitution or by Congress. Theoretically, well... in my view, the only right we should have, is the right to do anything -- that doesn't physically harm someone. But that's most definitely not considered a right by the various governments (e.g. seatbelt laws, which restrict me from hurting myself). Followups to talk.politics.theory? -- Eric Lee Green elg@usl.CSNET Asimov Cocktail,n., A verbal bomb {cbosgd,ihnp4}!killer!elg detonated by the mention of any Snail Mail P.O. Box 92191 subject, resulting in an explosion Lafayette, LA 70509 of at least 5,000 words.