the 793rd anniversary of King John’s signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede.
this document, particularly as reissued in 1227, is often considered one of the first (and most important) documents codifying civil rights. indeed, the American revolution was fired in no small part by the colonists’ belief that their rights as Englishmen were being infringed. it is recognised by many as an antecedent of the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights.
which makes it interesting to consider what rights our government is currently doing its best to take away.
habeas corpus, to take one example, has been guaranteed in one form or another since the 1215 Magna Carta. since 9/11, the Bush Administration has been bound and determined to take it away.
yet this past week, the Supreme Court did rule in such a way as to protect habeas corpus (to the consternation of the administration). perhaps things are looking up.
so consider what amount of trust you have in the government, and indeed what amount of trust you should have in your government – especially given the direction it seems to be heading (no matter which party is in power).
quote of the day:
“Oh! Come and see the violence inherent in the system! Help! Help! I’m being repressed!” – Dennis
June 16, 2008 at 1:54 pm |
[...] JJ marks the 793 anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta. [...]