The Bill of Rights

Books are essential sources of lifetime learning, a drumbeat of this column, as necessary to human happiness and liberty as is fair access to food and shelter. Yet, there is no book that has so much condensed power in it as does America’s Bill of Rights. Here is the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791 by the states; they are the first ten Amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Need anyone say more? I. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.  II. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to…