A Citizens Bill of Responsibilities

A Cry Voicing in the Wilderness
Commentary on the
State of the Human Condition.

By Martin D. Coats
Martin.Coats@TimeCrystal.Net
CopyRight 2003 TimeCrystal
September 3, 2003

For many years I have felt that if there was a Bill of Responsibilities in the US Constitution we would have a very different nation. Our rights and freedoms would come as a natural consequence of living responsible lives. Under the most idealistic interpretation of this, there would be no need for government.

I was inspired to write a Bill of Responsibilities by one of the candidates in the California Recall Election. The candidate is Brooke Adams. She is running on a platform that includes Personal Responsibility and Individual Freedom.

The Bill of Rights From The Constitution Of The United States of America	A Citizen's Bill of Responsibilities By Martin D. Coats CopyRight 2003 TimeCrystal September 3, 2003
First Right Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.	First Responsibility As a Citizen I will respect all religious belief and practice. I will respect the speech and ideas of all others and allow their free expression. I will assemble with others in a responsible and peaceful manner and will work with my fellow citizens to resolve all grievances locally before petitioning the government.
Second Right A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.	Second Responsibility As a Citizen, should I choose to own a weapon, I will keep said weapon in a safe and secure manner. I will maintain membership in a well organized militia for the purpose of defending the security of The State.
Third Right No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.	Third Responsibility As a Citizen, I will support the defense of The State.
Forth Right The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.	Forth Responsibility As a Citizen, I will live my life in a manner that does not impose upon or impede the life of my neighbors.
Fifth Right No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.	Fifth Responsibility As a Citizen, I will, when called upon, act as a witness in legal proceedings and give honest and truthful testimony.
Sixth Right In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.	Sixth Responsibility As a Citizen, I will, when called upon, serve as a juror in legal proceedings. To the extent possible I will seek rehabilitation and forgiveness before punishment.
Seventh Right In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.	Seventh Responsibility As a Citizen, I will seek to resolve any differences I have with my neighbors before seeking redress through the courts.
Eighth Right Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.	Eighth Responsibility As a Citizen, I will live my life within the laws of the land. Should I transgress against the law in a manner that brings harm to individuals or The State, I will willingly submit myself to the State for such action deemed necessary to prevent the recurrence of the transgression.
Ninth Right The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.	Ninth Responsibility As a Citizen, I acknowledge that the demand for rights without responsible action leads to an erosion of freedom whereas the living of a responsible life brings freedom beyond all expectations.
Tenth Right 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.	Tenth Responsibility As a Citizen, I will use the powers I am allowed with courage and wisdom.