This week in class we will begin our study of the Constitution. The United States Constitution is widely recognized and studied as one of the most democratic documents ever written. Most of the freedoms that make us uniquely American can be found in the United States Constitution.
You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm
So, this week I started thinking about what freedoms I value most. Celebrating Easter this past weekend with my family, made me realize how grateful I am for freedom of religion. We are very blessed to live in a country where we are free to practice or not practice our religion as we see fit.
So, my question to you this week is, “What freedoms do you value the most? Why are they important to you?” In addition, I would like you to take a short quiz on the Constitution and include your score and results in your answer. Your score on the quiz will not affect your grade.
The quiz can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?page=quiz.cfm
Answers are due by Sunday, April 11th, 2010
Although I feel that many of our rights are being choked down and skewed to be mere shadows of their former selves, the rights I enjoy the most are: Freedom of speech, religion, and to bear arms.
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone is entitled to their opinion and, although I may not agree with it, to express that opinion. Freedom of speech is the most important form of communication; without it people, who feel they are not being heard, sometimes resort to more extreme measures. At the same time I think there is a line, you should not be allowed to force your speech on others. My husband has been following the WBC in the news lately; I find what they consider their freedom of speech and religion to be atrocious. If they feel that way about the world that’s fine, but I don’t think they should be allowed to take their hate onto someone’s doorstep or—gravesite.
Freedom of religion—it’s what this country was founded on. It’s true you can worship or not worship whoever you want, just don’t do it where anyone can see. Somehow it is now a crime to say God in school; when I was in school each day started with the Pledge of Allegiance and “..one nation under God…..” The way I see it god is a word, kind of like dad; it doesn’t necessarily have to mean my dad, it could be anybodies dad. Also, if you don’t believe in a higher power you have the choice to not participate. Religion should not lead to paranoid profiling either.
I like guns, they’re fun. I am not a gun nut, I don’t even own a gun right now. I am a responsible, law-abiding adult. I like to hunt and target practice; I don’t kill things for sport. I think I should be allowed to legally own a gun for recreation and protection. Some think gun control will help reduce crime; obviously criminals are not going to obey gun control laws.
Wow, I thought it would be hard to come up with ten sentences but one rant later here I am with 25 points.
Lori Luttman
Tuesday AM
I got a 5 on the quiz:(
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly agree on freedom of religion being especially important to me. Being one of Jehovah's Witnesses, many people judge my religion as "unconventional" or "weird". This is because of things they have heard or lack of understanding. No matter others opinions, I am so thankful we have the opportunity to choose our own religion and share to those who have interest. Following closely along with this, freedom of speech is extremely important. With almost 8 million Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, many in other countries do not yet have this freedom. They undergo persecution for sharing the beliefs we have. I believe people take for granted freedoms like this because it is so normal in everyday life. It seems the government tries to put restrictions on displays of religion in school, work, etc. Nevertheless, no one can ever take away each person's devotion or faith. This is why I'm especially thankful for the freedoms of religion and speech.
ReplyDeleteI got a 4 on the quiz, oops.
Kaloni
I think the freedoms or freedom that i value the most and that is important to me is freedom of religion. Religion is a huge part of my life. I am very thankful that i have the freedom to assemble anywhere I want to and practice my believe in God with others. I think we don't value this freedom as much as we should. There are martyr's over seas that are dying to practice their believes in God each day. Some are persecuted for even carrying a bible or assembling with one or more people. They are imprisoned or even put to death for their believes. There are many courageous people dying for their believes each day.I am very thankful I have the freedom to do so. I am also thankful that I have a choice of religion I believe in.
ReplyDeleteJaimie
I got a four
I most value the freedom of religion. I don't think I ever realized how important this freedom was as I was growing up. I grew up in a Christian family. From kindergarten to eighth grade, I went to a Christian school. We started our days off reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and even the Pledge to the Christian flag and the Bible. We had prayers throughout the day and a Bible class where we sometimes had in depth discussions. Since I grew up in this environment, I never realized how much of a controversy religion was until I got to high school. It was a weird transition. There was no Bible class or prayers or pledges in the morning. People did seem to be very accepting in my high school. There was even a Jehovah's Witness, a Mormon, and an Arab. However, if anyone were to carry a Bible around, others would give you a funny look. It was like they didn't mind who you were, they just didn't want to see or hear about it. I am very thankful though for the few friends that I was able to have conversations about religion with.
ReplyDeleteKelsey
I got a four :(
I agree with everyone that the freedom of religion is fantastic. When I was a teen and going through high school it gave me the chance to explore multiple religions, before giving up on all of them. Then this same freedom is still their for me to take advantage of. I love the fact that I was able to freely search, study, and find what makes most sense to me. I think the freedom of speech is a joke. Their might be something that says we have the right to speak, publish, and write what we want to. But that is only to a certin extent. If you want something to be published or if your fighting for a cause and you get the chance to word your opinion on the new's or some other type of media you will be censored. It wouldnt suprise me if you followed the trail of censorship if it came back to political figures.
ReplyDeleteJosh
I got a 5 yay I got half
In trying to single out one freedom that I value to most, I find it difficult. Being born and raised in this country, I have never been made to choose.
ReplyDeleteMy thought on the subjects:
religion, it your choice to believe what you want. As long as you don't knock on my door and push it on me.
To bear arms: leave my gun alone. People kill people, not the guns.
Speech: Everyone should be able to speak their option, right or wrong, for it invokes thought and creativity.
JB
On the quiz, I scored a 7. :)
I believe that freedoms are taken for granted in this country, we have never realized that our freedoms haven't and can't really be taken away from us. Freedom of religion is important, you may choose what you believe in, and that's awesome. Freedom of religion and freedom of speech go together, if we didn't have freedom of speech then no one could really speak of their religion. Personally I have my own beliefs, and I share them with the ones I choose. Although, I am an open individual and use my freedom of speech everyday. With some censorship at times, we physically live once on this planet, and Americans must be heard and speak opinions, that is how we learn.
ReplyDeleteI scored a 3. It has opened my eyes to learn again the Constitution.
The Freedoms that I enjoy the most as an american is the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. I think its great how we can say our feelings about the government without getting in much trouble other then maybe a slap on the hand but for the most part if it is taken in the right direction with out much trouble the government just looks the other way until a politic says,"hey this might be something we want to look at?" As americans I think we overlook our freedoms and take these freedoms and rights for granted as we believe we should always have these freedoms and rights handed to us. As in other countries an outspoken person on speech and religion could get their head chopped off or spend the rest of their life in jail for speaking out agaisnt the government. As americans I don't think we relize how lucky we are to be able to express our rights and freedoms everyday. To practice or not to practice religion is something that other countries don't have, like we do here in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI got a 8 out of 10 on the quiz. :)
ReplyDeleteone of the freedoms that i like to value is the right to vote. i think that everyone should take advantage of voting. last year was my first time voting and i was actually happy not only because it was my first time but because im one of the millions of people that can say i voted and i wouldnt hesitate to say who i voted for. my vote also counts and to me thats like my voice being heard by everyone. i would encourage everyone to vote.
ReplyDeleteanother freedom that i value is freedom of religion. i am not a religious person and i dont follow my own religion. but i do like to hear about other peoples religion and sometimes find it interesting. if we didnt have freedom of religion then we would all be the same and we wouldnt express ourselves the way we want to. religion is one way to be different then other groups of people. i also think that people shouldnt judge on another individuals religion. some people take religion serious and would be disrespectful to judge them on that. i dont think many people understand freedom of religion and think that religion doesn't play a part. We should really appreciate all the freesoms that we have here in the states and shouldnt take them for granted
4 out of 10 on the quiz
ReplyDeleteI got about a 4 on the quiz.
ReplyDeleteAlso the constitution is for the most part a good idea and one day combined with the right leaders and guidelines it could be the greatest. The constitution and the bill of rights were written some time ago but I don't think the rights they offer are out dated, and for any that are they just need redefinition.
The freedoms I most enjoy is all of the ones stated in the 5th amendment. Because I couldn't imagine a place where I cant say something I want to say.
Of all the rights i casually enjoy, i'd say that my freedoms of religion and speech mean the most to me. It thrills what's left of my heart that i do not have to falsly claim religious affliction in exchange for rights or acceptance, but i am free to believe and worship what and how i choose. Many of our founding fathers were agnostic or atheist and they wanted to ensure that regardless of the compelling powers of various mysticisms that a person remain free to worship (or not worship) without the governments say. In my opinion this has led to a great sense of empathy and understanding as a people, as well as a free path to intellectual enlightenment. I also have the freedom to say what i feel about my beliefs (or yours if you don't back off). This is a favorite right of mine at holiday gatherings. It is not only to allow news to spread unadultered, but means that a peoples opinion(s) may be vocalized, if for no other reason than to confirm they've been heard. These rights can become complicated and the source of nasty fights concerning what they include and disclude, but as long as i can say what i want about Magic Jesus when i'm being drafted for the afterlife, amendment 1 rocks. I've been employed by arts nearly my entire career as a chef, an art student, and musician in local bands: if i were unable to create food or music freely saying what i please, i would wither and die. Who i am is a gift to the world and the more i can express how i feel, what i think and what i like the more every person who experiences me benefits. We are all very lucky that we haven't had these rights and freedoms taken from us. Yet.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say the freedom I enjoy most is freedom of speech. Just knowing that I can have an opinion about something others disagree with, but still being heard is very powerful. I think a trial by jury is a great. Just know I can't randomly be taken in the night and be sentience to death by random g-men for known reason is something I think most people take for granted. I like know that even though it is defalcate I have the right to pursuit happiness and my own since of freedom within the freedoms given to me. Also, I got 4 right on the quiz.
ReplyDeleteCameron Alford
Of the many freedoms we as Americans possess, I also believe the freedom of religion is enjoyed most. Some people would look oddly at me for saying that because my very public view of Atheism. But what I value most, is that I can think the way I do and will not be discriminated against for it. Religion can be the center of some of the most heated debates and I love it. The ability to debate religions and faith with others openly is something we should be very proud of. In many countries, one could be put to death for denouncing religion or even discussing it. The freedom to think and act as one pleases, religion wise, is something I value greatly here in America.
ReplyDeleteScore: 4.
Adam Gading
I would have to say that the rights I value most are freedom of religion and freedom of speech. I appreciate being able to believe in whatever deity I would like to without any repurcussions. It's nice not to have a religion chosen for me. I can choose to believe in who or whatever I want and not be forced to conform to something I don't believe at all. As far as freedom of speech, I just like to talk. It's great to know that I can say pretty much whatever I would like to, to an extent, and not get in drastic trouble for it. Being able to speak my mind freely is exhilirating.
ReplyDeleteScore:7 I'm a patriot
It is hard to choose only one. But, I think I am most grateful for freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. Everyone should have the right to express their opinions as long as they are prepared to accept that not everyone is going to agree with what the have said, and be able to accept the criticism that may come along with it. I believe that this opens creativity and helps people maybe understand other peoples views.
ReplyDeleteAs for the topic of religion, I believe that everyone should have the right to choose their own in which gives them the comfort and fulfillment of life in which the need. As long as people don't try to push their religion on me I am happy. But that doesn't say I would not try to understand their religion. Just because it may be different than mine doesn't make it wrong.
As far as freedom of speech, I do have a comment about Austin's blog. He said,"I believe that freedoms are taken for granted in this country, we have never realized that our freedoms haven't and can't really be taken away from us." I don't agree with that statement. What about my right to smoke when and where I want, or how about this law that President Obama has passed that everyone has to have health care. That should be up to the people. We didn't get to vote on it. Or the seat belt law that says we have to wear a seat belt when operating a vehicle, but motorcyclists don't have to wear a helmet. I think they have a better chance of being killed with a trauma to the head more so that riding in a car without a seat belt. But as I said that is just me expressing my freedom of speech.
I had 4 out of 10 on my quiz. I agree with Austin, I need to learn the Constitution again!
ReplyDeleteThe freedoms I value most are freedom of speech, religion, and mostly, my freedom to be myself and the unique individual I am. These are important to me because I don't do well with others telling me what to do, how to dress, what to eat, etc. I don't agree with most people so my opinions are important in making me who I am. Religion... thinking of it realistically makes me doubt it. :/ As long as I'm not being forced to believe in something I really don't, then I'm thankful for that freedom. One other thing I am very thankful about is my choice in the colleges this country offers and my career. That freedom might be the greatest of all. One is able to succeed no matter how he/she started out... or where. We have the freedom to change, along with almost everything else we can think of. It's possible here if it's done correctly, and those are my most valued freedoms.
ReplyDeleteKatt C. Lindemann
Texihoe = Ross Riley by the way. stupid 7th grade aim thing.
ReplyDeleteStarting off I got a 5/10 on the quiz im a patriot yay :DDDDD
So the freedom that I use the most is the probly freedom of speech. But to that your still not really free its not like you can walk into public places and start cursing at the top of your lungs. why? Because its not socialy acceptible. Maybe 20 years from now it will be but not now. On the other hand its our right as Americans that we can however choose to respectfuly disagree and state our own opionion with anything. That is what i find amazing. In some countries if you state your opionion you could be killed just for that. To me that is unacceptable. But as an american i see things different then most of the world.
For me knowing that my grandparents could not vote and had very few rights for many years helps me appreciate the rights as an American that I do have. I evercise my right to vote, speak, cary a gun and religion on a regular. If I didnt have the right to religion then I guess I would be killed because of what I believe if what I believe was not the dominate religion. If owning a gun or even carrying a gun was not my right then I would break the law because I'm going to protect my home by any means, and if I could not practice my right to speech and have my vote count I feel like for me, it would be very ugly in this country. I got 3 out of 10
ReplyDeleteThe freedom I value the most in America is freedom itself, I suppose this falls under Amendment 13. To be a free man, not owned or controlled by anyone else. Free to come and go as I please, to travel at will in or out of the country.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the freedom to worship, pray or study religion and the right to denounce organized religion.
I believe freedom of speech is very important as well, I love the fact that we can speak out against our leaders and have our vote heard.
I answered only 3 correct on the Quiz
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the freedom of speech is valuable and I enjoy it the most. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean that we can use abusive language and discriminate others or make them feel offended. It actually gives us to the right to speak about our opinion and thoughts. It doesn’t bound us with some kind of restriction of not to say what we think is right or wrong. It really provides freedom beyond measure. This freedom allows others to have their point of view out publicly and makes their power to reason stronger. I usually speak what I truly believe in and that’s what most of us do when we get a chance to talk about an issue. I feel the best thing about freedom of speech is that it doesn’t matter whether the world agrees with you or not but at least you get your point through and somewhere someone is going to think about it and might agree with you one day.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, the freedom of being safe is another valuable thought that often reads my mind as there are few countries where people do not feel safe no matter what the circumstances are.
I got 3 correct on the Quiz :(
Sajal Dhingra
All of the rights and freedom in the Constitution are what make our country great and I appreciate absolutely everyone of them. There are simply some rights that I take advantage of more often than others. These rights would include freedom of speech, religion, as well as, the right to vote. It's strange to think that in other countries none of these are a given. In the United States, as long as it is in a peaceful manor, you can have a public or written statement about anything that you think or believe. In the United States, there isn't a church you are told to attend or when to attend. The right to vote is just another freedom that helps the people of the United States get their opinions and beliefs out and represented. I use the freedom of speech everyday of my life. I happen to be a very opinionated person and in some countries that simple characteristic is deafened due to restrictions. I also take advantage of the freedom of religion by choosing not to attend a church. I do follow chritianity, but I simply don't have time to show everyone, every Sunday that I am a Christian. The right to vote can't really be taken advantage of everyday, but the results of my voting are seen through the actions of our government very often.
ReplyDeleteIn case there is confusion in the name, the is Austin Smith. I scored a 4 out of 10 on the quiz
ReplyDeleteThe freedoms I value the most are simple...Freedom of Speech, I like to know that my opinion can be expressed without punishment. I have a big mouth and enjoy being able to speak my mind. Freedom of religion is also important to me as half of my family is Christian (non-denomination), and the other half is hard-core Catholic. It's nice to know that whatever my believes are now and in the future, the government has no say in the matter. Another great freedom is the right to bare arms. I was born and raised in TX, I believe that guns don't kill people, people kill people. Being a woman I like to know that I can protect myself any means necessary. Also being a woman I appreciate the right to vote and have a say in who controls our government.
ReplyDeleteI received 4 out of 10 on the quiz :(
I think the most important amendment is the 9th Amendment. The Rights Retained by the People. However, there is a giant loop hole that lawyers use to question what the implied rights of the people can have. For example how much privacy we really do retain.
ReplyDeleteAnother point I would like to bring up is that the president can propose an exception to any of these rules for a certain amount of time as long as the other two branches agree that it is needed. This may not be the best thing for the people and it seems we never know the full details until it's too late.
Briana
Speech is the one freedom that I value the most because at any giving time words can make another person change his or her mind state in any situation for good or bad. Speech is important to me because I feel that if I can say what I want or need to say then how can I possible live. My score on the test was a 6 out of 10. The quiz kinda reminded my the game show, "Are you smarter than a fifth grader.
ReplyDelete