NEW PREAMBLE TO U.S. CONSTITUTION (suggested)

Submitted by: P McMillan

NEW PREAMBLE TO THECONSTITUTION

by Pat Shannan

 The following has been attributed to Lewis Napper, a Jackson , Mississippi computer programmer.  He didn't expect his essay -- a tart 11-point list of "rights" Americans don't have -- to become an Internet legend.

'We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional. We hold these truths to be self evident:  that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.'

ARTICLE I:

You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.  More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II:

You do not have  the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not  just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of dummies, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III :

You do not have the  right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE  IV:

You do not have the right to free food and  housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who  achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch  potatoes.

ARTICLE V:

You do not have the  right to free health care. That would be nice, but  from the looks of public housing, we're just not  interested in public health care.

ARTICLE  VI:

You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you get the blue juice.

ARTICLE  VII :

You do not have the right to the  possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce  away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be  surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you  away in a place where you still won't have the right  to a big screen color TV or a life of  leisure.

ARTICLE VIII:

You do not have  the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.

ARTICLE IX:

You  do not have the right to happiness. Being an American  means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are  unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws  created by those of you who were confused by the Bill  of Rights.

ARTICLE X:

This is an English  speaking country. We don't care where you came from, English is our language. Learn it!  

Lastly
ARTICLE  XI:

You do not have the right to change our  country's history or heritage This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, sorry if you are uncomfortable with it.