The Bill of No Rights is from an email that has circumnavigated the globe, touching all seven continents (yes, even Antarctica), since coming off the keyboard of Lewis Napper in 1993. It was mistakenly credited to Mitchell Kaye, a Georgia State Representative from Marietta. Mr. Napper is a self-described amateur philosopher from Mississippi who ran for a U.S. Senage seat in 2000 as a Libertarian.
The message resonates with folks because it addresses the sense of entitlement that has us shaking our heads in disbelief. There is nothing in the Bill of Rights that says "the world owes me a living."
Here is the text of his message. My articulation proofing comments follow each Article.
Bill of No Rights
Bill of Opportunity: Articulation Proofing by Bob Nicoll
Article I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.
Article I: You have the opportunity to earn an income, and allocate that income for a variety of items; like a new car, big screen TV or any other form of wealth. There is no guarantee, just an opportunity.
Article II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.: but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
Article II: You have the opportunity to display respectful elegance: to be respectful of others and yourself, and do it in an elegant, classy way. The same will most likely be returned to you. This country is based on freedom--for everyone. Everyone has the opportunity to treat others with respect.
Article III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
Article III: There is no guarantee that you will be free from harm. Be more careful. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, take responsibility for your actions. There are no grounds for you to expect the tool manufacturer to be responsible for your actions or to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
Article IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need.
Article IV: There is no guarantee that you will have food and housing. When you demonstrate your initiative to earn an income, you will have the opportunity to provide for yourself and your family.
Article V: You do not have the right to free health care.
Article V: You do have the right to seek professional health care and be responsible for the cost of that service.
Article VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
Article VI: If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone; you will be accountable for your actions. You may even be sentenced to death. Think about your actions.
Article VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
Article VII: If you rob, cheat or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens; and get caught, you may find yourself locked away in a place without a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
Article VIII: You don't have the right to demand that our children risk their lives in foreign wars to soothe your aching conscience. We hate oppressive governments and won't lift a finger to stop you from going to fight if you'd like. However, we do not enjoy parenting the entire world and do not want to spend so much of our time battling each and every little tyrant with a military uniform and a funny hat.
Article VIII: As a nation, we have a history of standing for freedom. We strongly dislike oppressive governments and would prefer to focus our energies on taking care of our business at home instead of battling each and every little tyrant with a military uniform and a funny hat.
Article IX: You don't have the right to a job. Sure, all of us want you all of you to have one, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.
Article IX: You have the opportunity to pursue educational vocational training to give the chance to display your skills either for your employer or yourself as an entrepreneur. Just make yourself useful and contribute.
Article X: You do not have the right to happiness. It is not guaranteed to you by the Bill of Rights.
Article X: Being an American means that you have the right to pursue happiness--which, by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an overabundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
If you agree, we strongly urge you to forward this to as many people as you can. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you should you not forward it. We just think it is about time common sense is allowed to flourish -- call it the age of reason revisited.
Empowering word choice helps clarity the message. If you agree, we strongly urge you to forward this to as many people as you can. There is no requirement to do so, and nothing tragic will befall you if you skip it. We just think it is about time common sense is allowed to flourish -- call it the age of reason revisited.
Thank you for your suggestions Mr. Napper.
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