Bush Has No Regard for U.S. Constitution

The First Amendment declares that the government shall not prohibit "the right of the people peaceably to assemble." The Republican Party's use of "free speech zones" which isolate protest groups far from political activities is a clear violation of this principle. Only allowing groups to gather and voice their opinions within certain zones is an abridgment of freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.

The Fifth Amendment states that "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." The USA Patriot Act, by allowing easy searches of Internet and telephone records, disregards Americans' explicit right to security as guaranteed. The Supreme Court ruled "a state of war is not a blank check for the president when it comes to the rights of the nation's citizens."

The Sixth Amendment states, "in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial." Contrary to the beliefs of the Bush Administration, the Constitution does not reserve this right to American citizens. Thus, holding "enemy combatants" in secrecy for years without charge, access to an attorney, or access to family members is a clear violation of this right.

The 14th Amendment says that no state may "deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." However, during the 2000 Presidential election, tens of thousands of African-Americans were disenfranchised and turned away from voting booths in Florida through intimidation and falsified felon rolls. It is not a surprise that little has been done to correct this injustice, as President Bush has refused to address the NAACP, this nation's chief civil rights organization.

Upon inauguration the president takes an oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution. President Bush has not maintained this commitment.