A lot of people think that Independence Day is a mediocre action movie starring Jeff Goldblum. And although this is true, Independence Day is actually a whole lot more. This week marked July 4, our nation's anniversary. The Fourth of July is a great time to reflect on the founding of our nation and think about how far we've come based on the men and ethics that put this country together.
It's easy to get wrapped up in the other aspects of Independence Day, like the barbeque, the fireworks, the day off work, the summer blockbusters, the sun, the beer and the pool. And it's also easy to take for granted the ultimate meaning of the holiday, which is celebrating the freedom we have to enjoy all that stuff.
Your right to take a day off work and drink beer and eat bratwurst and get a sunburn and blow something up is what you're celebrating, and you observe it by doing it. All that stuff is fun and integral to the holiday, but it isn't the true meaning.
How many lame Christmas specials have you seen where someone finds out that presents aren't what defines Christmas? About a million. It's the Christmas spirit of generosity and human kindness that makes the holiday what it is. Yet how many Fourth of July specials have you seen where some kid realizes that there's more to Independence Day than bottle rockets and roman candles? About none.
So here's my suggestion: in order to truly comprehend the rights and liberties that we have been given, I strongly advocate carrying around a copy of the Bill of Rights with you at all times. There are a lot of times when you may not be aware of the certain rights that you, as an American, are entitled to. By carrying around a copy of the Bill of Rights, you would be aware of the ten constitutional rights that the founding fathers deemed most important; you would have a constant reminder of the civil liberties that you have been given, just because you happen to live in the United States.
And sometimes, the Bill of Rights just comes in handy. It's good to have a copy of it on hand, especially during sticky situations. Imagine if your girlfriend comes up to you and asks you one of those impossible questions like, "How deep is your love for me?" or "Do you think these pants make me look skinnier?" or "When was the last time you did the dishes?" If you were carrying a copy of the Bill of Rights when this happened, you could simply whip it out and, in a polite manner, explain to her that the Fifth Amendment protects you from witnessing against yourself. Answering those questions may or may not be self-incriminating, and therefore, you are not constitutionally required to answer them.
The Bill of Rights has a lot of other benefits in relationships, too. Imagine if your girlfriend came over and wanted you to let her into your room because she thinks that there is another girl in there. In this scenario, you could pull out your helpful Bill of Rights and reasonably show her that the Fourth Amendment clearly protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. It's not to say that there is or isn't another girl in your room, but regardless, if your girlfriend goes in there and snoops around, it is a direct violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. And that's just un-American.
People often overlook the basic privileges that are given to us every day and take for granted the rights that we are all entitled to. Carrying around a copy of the Bill of Rights is a little extreme, but the least we can all do is be aware of and respect and be thankful for the general civil rights that our forefathers laid out and gave to us.
However, a copy of the Bill of Rights does come in handy when soldiers show up at your door asking to spend the night. Just pull it out and say, "Third Amendment. Go find yourself a Best Western."
Write to Paul at pjmetz@bsu.edu
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