Do we have a constitution or is it in the dust bin? Let’s examine the First Amendment which is one of 10 called The Bill of Rights, ratified in December 1791.

“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 peaceable to assembly, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Notice, this speaks only to Congress. It does not include rights of the citizens which are included in the Declaration of Independence which says in part that “we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Unalienable means unable to be taken away.

So, Congress, not lawyers, governors, mayors and people in black robes are not authorized to declare restrictions like lockdowns, distancing, assembling etc.

Have you seen a law from Congress about this virus restriction? Do you see the current abuses by unauthorized controllers? Did you learn any of this in our education system? And they want more money?

Thanks to the officials and veterans that took the sacred oath. I am thankful for the constitutional stance of our sheriff and state representative. We lucked out there.

CHARLES JOHNSON

Sandpoint