I’ve noticed, especially over these past few months, there have been some not-so-subtle reminders of the importance of the liberties that we sometimes take for granted. Our country’s founders had the foresight to anticipate this. I believe the Bill of Rights is even more important today than it ever was. The context and the nuances of this document anticipated the ways in which these words could be subverted to meet one’s agenda. ( 1st Amendment ) = Grants freedom of worship, speech and press; the right to petition the government and to assemble peacefully ( 2nd Amendment ) = Secures the right of citizens to bear arms ( 3rd Amendment ) = Assures that troops may not be quartered in private homes without the owner’s consent ( 4th Amendment ) = Guards against unreasonable searches, arrests & seizures of property ( 5th Amendment ) = Requires indictment by a grand jury for major crimes before trial; forbids repeated trials for the same offense & punishment without due process; prevents people from being required to testify against themselves. ( 6th Amendment ) = Guarantees a speedy public trial by an unbiased jury for criminal offenses; grants legal counsel for the accused & asserts that witnesses must attend the trial in the presence of the accused. ( 7th Amendment ) = Guarantees trial by jury in civil cases for anything valued at more than $20.00 ( 8th Amendment ) = Prohibits excessive bail & cruel and unusual punishment. ( 9th Amendment ) = Confirms that people also have rights other than those mentioned in the constitution ( 10th Amendment ) = Declares that powers not delegated to the Federal Government belong to the States or to the People Let us not forget that our way of life here in the United States is one that is unique in all the world. These liberties must not be taken for granted. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of that to ensure their continued existence. Mark Damian