The Second Unalienable Right in the Declaration of Independence: A Closer Look

To those who wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence, political liberty and natural law went together: Nature summons man to defend his liberty against tyranny. On June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress asked five delegates to write the draft version of the Declaration of Independence. It officially adopted the American Theory of Government: First Come Rights; Then Comes Government to Secure These Rights.

The Constitution doesn't grant us freedoms; it prohibits government from taking them. Nearly all of us, at one time or another, have heard the phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as the three unalienable rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence. But what about the second unalienable right that John Locke wrote in the Declaration of Independence?

Principle No. 1: Government exists to protect rights, not to create them. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” This statement encapsulates the core belief that the government's role is to safeguard these inherent rights.

Trump supporters have staked a claim to the US Constitution and the founding era of the country in their battle against what they perceive as threats to their liberties. Over the weekend, we celebrated the 244th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in light of everything that has transpired, it is crucial to reflect on the principles that underpin our nation's foundation.

The right to possess a gun is a distinctive attribute in American political and social life. This theme can warm the emotions of society, sparking debates on gun laws and individual rights. To all those out there who are parading and protesting and shouting to any nearby television camera, “Don't take our God-given rights,” it is essential to delve into the historical context and significance of the second unalienable right.