[DryFly]

Where do you and other posters on this thread get the idea that a right, such as a right to privacy, must be specifically given to us by a provision in the Constitution? The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, do not GIVE any rights. We don't need the Constitution to assert that we have any particular right. As the Declaration of Independence states, we are born with rights given to us by the Creator, and no act of Congress or of any state legislator can take them away. Just because the Constitution does not GIVE us a right to privacy, does not mean we don't have such a right.

[ellery]

Just because the Constitution does not GIVE us a right to privacy, does not mean we don't have such a right.

Important point -- but I believe that if it's not mentioned in the federal constitution, states have a right to regulate it, right?

[bvw]

The Bill of Rights -- added as a deal-closer to the Constitution. The Constitution, up to that point is our Charter to a Federal government. The Bill of Rights is something else -- it says, it said then, sure "We the People and the States Ratifying" agree to the Constitution but only if the Government particularly recognizes these Rights, (not to exclude the claim of all others not mentioned).

Some argue that just meant the Federal government orginially, others -- the winning majority -- hold that it includes ALL levels of government in the Nation and States.

So sure there is right to privacy, a right to drive on the public road, a right to conduct business -- yet the STATES can and do restrict and regulate those rights, and are empowered to do so as we have established the state charters and state constitutions, and elect the state legislators.

[Dog Gone]

Where do you and other posters on this thread get the idea that a right, such as a right to privacy, must be specifically given to us by a provision in the Constitution?

You're missing the point. Whatever "constitutional rights" the Supreme Court finds serve as a very real limit on the actions of the government.

We may all have inalienable rights not enumerated in the Constitution or anywhere else, but the ones the government are going to recognize and protect or enforce are going to come from this document.

[RDUBOOKS]

"Where do you and other posters on this thread get the idea that a right, such as a right to privacy, must be specifically given to us by a provision in the Constitution? The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, do not GIVE any rights...just because the Constitution does not GIVE us a right to privacy, does not mean we don't have such a right."

THANK YOU. I mean, the Constitution does not SPECIFICALLY give us the right to eat peanut butter on Mondays, you know? Does this mean it should be considered illegal until otherwise dictated? According to some of you, I guess so...