Emperor's Rants and Observations

One of the things that has come to my attention with discussions surrounding Arizona’s new immigration law SB1070 is how little many people know about our rights under our Constitution. Worse yet, they don’t know why they are important and why they have to be defended – even when the government tells us it’s for our own good – or especially when the government says its for our own good.

First of all, something everyone needs to be aware of is that SB1070 doesn’t apply to just illegal immigrants. It empowers law enforcement officers with “reasonable suspicion” to demand identification or proof of legal immigration from ANYONE. Even if they have done nothing wrong. They don’t have to place them under arrest.

This is almost identical to the arguments over the US Patriot Act with warrant-less wiretaps. Those in favor of giving the government unlimited power to spy on citizens in violation of the Fourth Amendment said “If you don’t have anything to hide then it shouldn’t matter if they are listening.” Yes it does matter. Because every time we give up one of our rights, whether it’s to protect us from terrorists, illegal immigrants or drug dealers, it just makes it that much easier for more to be taken.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~ Benjamin Franklin

In addition to many people not knowing their rights, how to apply them and why they are important there are some that think we should not be taught or learned. Teachers Suspended for Showing Flex Your Rights Video

The guys at FlexYourRights.Org have done a great job putting together video’s not only explaining our rights but how to exercise them properly. I’ve included their “10 Rules For Dealing with Police” video below in four parts. Also, a couple of additional links from the Washington Post and Cato Institute.

Washington Post: ’10 Rules for Dealing with Police’ seeks to teach constitutional rights

Cato @ Liberty: Immigration Law — Up Close

Cato Institute: 10 Rules for Dealing with Police – A film produced by Flex Your Rights With comments from William “Billy” Murphy, Attorney and 10 Rules Narrator and Neill Franklin, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Moderated by Tim Lynch, Director, Project on Criminal Justice, Cato Institute.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four