Who does the Bill of Rights cover?

This Week | 2 Dec 01 | Bob Barr

[H.Akston]

Bob Barr just said on Sam and Cokie's show that the Bill of Rights is part of the Constitution, and the Constitution covers "persons", not just citizens, and "the Bill of Rights applies to all persons on our soil."

[H.Akston]

That's about the most liberal thing I've ever heard. Doesn't he realize that the Bill of Rights and the Constitution clearly identifies who is covered by the words "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES", and that not everyone on this soil is "OF THE UNITED STATES"?

With Rights come responsibilities - does he want to extend American rights to people who don't pay American taxes?? American Privileges without American Responsibilities, MR. BARR? Representation from you without Taxation?

I'm not even sure that Indians are covered by the Bill of Rights, unless it's specifically stated so in some bilateral treaty.

[H.Akston]

No, don't tell me I'm a moron - tell me why I'm wrong, if you can.

[go star go]

Sometimes Bob's fear of government clouds his thoughts...

[go star go]

If the Bill or Rights applies to everyone then why do we have INS raids?

[H.Akston]

You really agree that Bob Barr is wrong.

[go star go]

If you think INS raids are not a violation of the Bill or Rights then you have no problem with the INS raiding your home. Correct?

[Gumlegs]

If the Bill or Rights applies to everyone then why do we have INS raids?

Um ... because the INS believes people are in the country illegally? Kinda like asking "If the Bill of Rights applies to everyone then why do we have police raids?" isn't it?

[H.Akston]

If you really think I'm wrong, then you think that the Constitution starts off with "We The People of the World..."

[abclily]

We the people of the United States are the citizens of the United States - no one else. Our constitution covers us only. It does not cover Canadian citizens, French citizens, Mexican citizens, etc. They have their own constitutions that they base their laws on. Our constitution does not dictate laws to the whole world.

[Gumlegs]

If you really think I'm wrong, then you think that the Constitution starts off with "We The People of the World..."

Sorry. This strikes me as a non-sequitur. Of course the people of the United States set up the country, but everyone in it has the same rights. I believe we should be flagging the FReeper lawyers on this, but the laws of the nation apply to everyone who is here, whether that person is a citizen or not.

That having been said, people acting as agents of a foreign power during time of war are and should be an exception. (If that's where this is headed).

[H.Akston]

"The INS cannot raid my home without probable cause and a warrant."

That's because you (unfortunately) are one of the "People, of the United States", and not of Afghanistan, and thus are covered by the Constitution, unlike an Al-Queda network cells who have infiltrated this country, or are on an expired visa.

[MadameAxe]

You seem to be suggesting that our unalienable rights are given to us by the Constitution.

Or is it that it's ok to infringe upon the rights of innocent people, as long as they're not citizens?

I'm pretty sure I don't agree with either premise.