imported post
Actually, there is no correct way. The Bill of Rights simply codifies something that already exists extrinsically. The document does not create rights, nor could it abolish them.
"We hold these truths to be self evident" they are self-evident... they don't need to be written down, recognized, stated, etc.
"that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights" the rights come by the very nature of being human. Further, these rights are "inalienable," that is,
Code:
Main Entry:in·alien·able
Pronunciation: \(ˌ)i-ˈnāl-yə-nə-bəl, -ˈnā-lē-ə-nə-\
Function:adjective
Etymology:probably from French inaliénable, from in- + aliénable alienable
Date:circa 1645
:incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred <inalienable rights>
The rights cannot be removed from the people in any way.
"that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Among these. Those are not the only inalienable, Creator-endowed rights. The Bill of Rights recognizes more. And there are even more rights that are not in either document.
"That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it..."
Government exists for one and only one purpose... to secure the Rights of the People. Government cannot create, bestow or remove rights. It can secure (protect) them, or it can be abolished. It serves no other purpose.
This seems a fitting weekend to be mindful of these facts.
