More R & R for All Citizens

All American citizens are guaranteed the right to a prompt, fair trial by jury. Do you know what part of the Constitution has that guarantee? Check it out here: http://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources/educator-resources/americapedia/americapedia-bill-of-rights/speedy-trial/

American citizens also have the right to vote in elections for public officials. Are legislators in your state making it easier or harder for people to vote? What can you do if you object to current voting regulations in your state? Do you even know where to start? This website has basic information about elections and where in the Constitution those rights are guaranteed. I would also suggest that you begin with the Secretary of State for your state. You can find your Secretary of State with information on how to contact them here: http://www.nass.org/contact/sos-members/

The two responsibilities I want to examine today are: the responsibility to participate in the democratic process and the responsibility to obey all federal, state, and local laws.

Voting is one way we participate in the democratic process, but, there are many others. A participatory democracy is essential if we are to preserve and protect our freedoms. Did it ever occur to you that protesting is another way we participate in the democratic process? In fact, it is guaranteed in the Constitution as another right! When you write a letter to the editor or publish a blog post and share it, you are participating! When you contact your representatives or attend a meet and greet for a candidate, you are participating! When you vote early and volunteer to drive others to the polls or help people get the necessary identification to register to vote, you are participating! The message here is: DO SOMETHING! There are many ways to be a responsible citizen and participate.

Last, we have the responsibility to obey the laws. What if the law is unfair? What if we disagree with that law? Have you heard the term "civil disobedience"? Much has been written on this subject. Here's a great place to start if you want to explore the topic in more depth: http://thoreau.eserver.org/civil.html Civil disobedience is defined by Webster as: "refusal to obey laws as a way of forcing the government to do or change something"   I was taught in my civics classes to obey the existing law and work to get is changed if you disagree with it. However, there are times when a citizen may need to practice civil disobedience and must be willing to suffer the consequences. It is something citizens must decide for themselves. 

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