BILL OF RIGHTS

This question seems to be well answered by the Constitution's Bill of Rights. Few people in the US would care to argue for changing these traditional, widely accepted rights.

However, the frequent insistence on individual rights and the frequent disregard of the obligations of a citizen make it necessary to remind ourselves of the obligations that accompany those rights.

The question then becomes: What are a citizen's obligations that accompany the rights stated in the Bill of Rights?

The Founding Fathers discussed the question of obligations associated with the Bill of Rights, but decided not to include them in the Bill itself. They assumed that the pressures of society would be enough to make people live up to their obligations. Some voiced the opinion that societal pressures would be effective in small communities, but would not work in large cities. All were very much aware that democracy itself would not work without a responsible citizenry.

Our rights are based on our desire for individual freedom. Our responsibilities are based on the need to cooperate with other individuals to form a secure society.

**THE NEW BILL OF RIGHTS AND A CITIZEN'S OBLIGATIONS**
THE RIGHT	THE OBLIGATION
The government will not establish a State religion, or prohibit people from exercising their religious beliefs.	I will not attempt to use the power and privileges of government to further my religious beliefs.
The government will not diminish the freedom of speech or the freedom of the press.	I will endeavor always to speak in a responsible manner and to read critically.
The government will not interfere with the freedom to assemble peaceably.	I will assemble peacefully with due respect for law and order in a cvilized society.
The government will not prohibit people from petitioning for redress of grievances.	I will petition the government for redress of grievancies only after careful thought
The right of the people to keep and bear arms for the militia shall not be infringed.	I will keep and bear arms in such manner as to avoid injury to others.
In times of peace no soldier will be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in wartime, except as prescribed by law.	I will not burden the government in times of peace and I will cooperate with the government h time of war.
The people and their homes shall not be subject to unreasonable searches and seizures	I will not attempt, or permit, the conduct unlawful activities in my home.
A person suspected of a capital crime shall not be held accountable, unless indicted by a grand jury.	I will refrain from expressing opinions about suspected criminals and allow the legal system to operate without my involvement.
A person accused of a crime shall have the right to a speedy and public trial by jury.	I will serve on a jury, willingly and without bias, when requested to do so.
Common law suits involving property shall also have the right of a trial by jury.	I will refrain from seeking compensation for trivial, unlikely causes for purely personal gain.
Excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments, shall not be imposed.	I will not engage in schemes designed to deprive the government of its legal rights.
The rights listed here do not lessen any other rights, which are retained by the people	I will respect the need of the government to be adaptive to the challenges of its time.
Powers not delegated to the government, or the states, are reserved for the states, or the people.	I will exercise the powers to which I am entitled with restraint and urge my state government to do the same.