First Amendment: The right to own a pet?

[fryguy]

Indeed I believe it was Hamilton in the Federalist Paper #17 that posed the question:

"Were it not that we are afforded such freedom from the tyranny attacking the fundamental right to associate with our trusted companions, those non-human animals that reside within our homes and hearts, would this experiment of national governance through a democratic process not survive?"

* * * *

Study: Few Americans Know 1st Amendment


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 1, 2006
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Freedom-Poll.html?ex=1141880400&en=9bfbc046d19f3e90&ei=5070&emc=eta1

CHICAGO (AP) -- Americans apparently know more about ''The Simpsons'' than they do about the First Amendment.

Only one in four Americans can name more than one of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment (freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances.) But more than half can name at least two members of the cartoon family, according to a survey.

<snip>

It also showed that people misidentified First Amendment rights. About one in five people thought the right to own a pet was protected, and 38 percent said they believed the right against self-incrimination contained in the Fifth Amendment was a First Amendment right, the survey found.

[hlthe2b]

1. No, but in the Declaration of Independence

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of HAPPINESS. Nothing ensures happiness than a warm puppy!

[fryguy]

2. Good point

not to mention that protects fido's right to chase after a stick as well. . . .

[northzax]

3. on a skewer over a nice fire, sure!

**ducking**

[hlthe2b]

7. watch out, now northzax...

The only "maternal" instincts I possess are firmly committed to the safety, well-being, and happiness of my "little 4-legged girl." And, Lordy, I could surely be like a bear guarding her den, in that respect!

[northzax]

9. you know what's tasty?

bear cub. nice and succulent...

[hlthe2b]

10. not a chance.... Given my total lack of training and basic

"hunting" skills, I likely will shoot just like our Vice President. In the face, shoulder, chest, breast, bud! Don't even try!

[northzax]

11. you know what that leaves, don't you?

the best part...mmm.. roasted leg...it's like a hillbilly easter!

[hlthe2b]

12. LOL

you do know you need help, don't you, northzax? LOL

[northzax]

13. no, I just skipped lunch

I'll be better soon.

[WePurrsevere]

5. Yeah, it's one of those truths that our forefathers held "self evident "

:D

A warm puppy... a soft kitty... a steadfast horse... a cute rabbit or guinie pig... the right to specifically own them may not be in the Constitution because that "right", as a part of some folks happiness, was considered "self evident". B-)

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

[zbdent]

4. A note about your sig pic

Fortunately, the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion actually had redeeming qualities and noble characteristics . . .

Bush would have made war with Tick-Tock . . .

[lukasahero]

6. There's another thread on the board at the moment

that demonstrates why it should not be a right to own a pet. Refering to the thread about the two teenagers who used a three week old puppy as a football. It died. They should never have the right to own a pet. Sorry.

Edited to add link to the thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x547512

[Initech]

8. This is an absolutely frightening statistic.

:scared: