The
following has been attributed to Lewis Napper, a Jackson, Mississippi
computer programmer. He didn't expect his essay -- a tart 10-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. And then respect that job, and the
owner who gave it to you and keep your hands off their stuff.
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.
If
you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and
nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about
time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United
States must speak out because if you do not, who will?
“If we must die, we die defending our rights.”
We The People Are Not Your Slave
