It is amazing that in 1780s when most of the world consisted of theocracies and autocracies, Americans could come up with such an advanced document.

@tonstad39

8 жыл бұрын

Well, the Native Americans had the great law of peace hundreds of years prior to the American constitution & Britain had the magna carta in the 1200's.

@RB-yw3oi

8 жыл бұрын

So advanced, copying Rome. Hmmm

@jrsydvl7218

8 жыл бұрын

Abba Okoro however, they were by no means as brutal as european wars. They were a lot less intense and resulted in far fewer casualties. I'd classify them as a series family fueds to resolve a host of issues that could not be resolved by talking it out.

@darkheart1721

8 жыл бұрын

+Great Wolf This is interesting you said this because I remember in 8th grade discussing with my friends how smart the founding fathers were and even saying they might be aliens lol, but after taking world history you will see that they were smart, but also took a lot of influence from the enlightenment movement in Europe years beforehand.

@greatwolf5372

8 жыл бұрын

darkheart1721​ Oh yes nothing happens in isolation. Enlightenment strongly influenced our founding fathers.

Big brother is stripping us of our liberty, one right at a time.

@BSBCHREAF

8 жыл бұрын

+wesley ogilvie I am surprised that He didn't mention Gay Marriage Law ruled by Supreme Court this year.

@wesleyogilvie8105

8 жыл бұрын

***** I know right.

@christineadams1284

8 жыл бұрын

1984

@jeremycalhoun6783

8 жыл бұрын

+wesley ogilvie Doing so in the name of "equality"

@TifasKnight

8 жыл бұрын

+wesley ogilvie Yeah, but remember another point made in the video. The populace is also giving rights away due to ignorance (and not only ignorance). It's easy for Big Brother to take away that which is given to it. The point is that Big Brother isn't all to blame. It's the people too. That's the most tragic thing and it's an indictment against us. If we can fix ourselves then we can bring down Big Brother and put it back in its place.

Shouldn't the 4th amendment prevent NSA spying?

@MarioFanaticXV

8 жыл бұрын

+walter byrd It SHOULD, yes, but that assumes that those in power are actually held responsible.

@MarioFanaticXV

8 жыл бұрын

homertalk What does that have to do with anything? I mean, I guess you're probably just high and think NSA has something to do with drugs?

@jacksonofalltrades2665

8 жыл бұрын

h

@ShadrachVS1

8 жыл бұрын

+MarioFanaticXV Wait... I see a deleted response, Ignore my previous post.

@VicvicW

8 жыл бұрын

It does. It's not the nsa that has been spying. The NSA got GHQ (UK equivalent) to spy on US citizens in return for saying on UK residents.

It's pretty sad when you see the greatest country go down the path of socialism and disregard its own Constitution.

@kurros1270

5 жыл бұрын

Obi-Wan: "You were the chosen one. You were supposed to destroy the dark side, not join them!"

@michaelm8460

5 жыл бұрын

There is nothing inhertly wrong, or even undemocratic with socialism. Its more about the charactor of the people we put in office. The same can be said about any form of government.

@roberttranceedm

4 жыл бұрын

It isn’t the greatest country, at all. But you can dream.

@robinsss

4 жыл бұрын

I notice he forgot to mention the Harrison Narcotics Act and the Marijuana Tax act as two laws that violated the basic rights of the citizens...…………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..maybe it's because it was proposed and fully supported by conservatives

@michaelm8460

4 жыл бұрын

@John Grit there is so much wrong here, I dont know where to start..... 1- but plenty if people cant work through economic, educational or medical reasons (Personally, I see 'work' as making someone else rich) 2- The issue you have with FDR are not inherint to Socialism. Thomas Jefferson wrote of his plans to use eugenic principles to rid the country of Blacks. 2-If corpoations were to pay their fair share of taxes, the tax burden on citizens would be way less. Think if the BILLIONS that upper level excutives make at the exress of the people they use to put them there. You dont get money, real money, by working hard, You get it the old fashion way:Inheriting from your parents. 4- Take education: Specialized training is certainly necessary to survive. Thants to the GI bill, it became a very mainstream thing, but now has become so expensive that traing for even tradionally professional fields like law and medicne will leave a person bankrupt, the opposite of success 5-Lastly, most of the free would lives under some flavor of socialism. Communites band together and share their resources and regulate their economies to give tjeur citizens a life without fear of hunger or illiness r shelter If the US can send a man to the moon, surely we can achieve this goal..

Though I'm not American, I find this incredibly interesting.

@DianaMartin1910

8 жыл бұрын

+TheDoubleJumpers This is a very conservative-slanted view of decisions that have been made by the Supreme Court, and how they "overstepped their bounds". I disagree with most of what you saw on this video, so don't take it as "gospel".

@TimeTripper79

8 жыл бұрын

+Diana Martin I've noticed PragerUniversity is incredibly right wing.

@smexijebus

8 жыл бұрын

+TheDoubleJumpers They're right wing, but also quite liberal in their views. This video, for example, is all about the over-reach of government effecting the individual freedoms of its citizens. Regardless, 'right' or 'wrong', they are undoubtedly interesting. Being exposed to new ideas and different opinions is never a bad thing.

@shrugger1

8 жыл бұрын

+TheDoubleJumpers Yes, and unlike the far Left media, Academia, and so many in the Government. They don't ever deny what they are. It is nice to hear viewpoints in opposition to all the Leftist propaganda once in a while.

@TimeTripper79

8 жыл бұрын

+The human shrug. Nice to see someone accepting of ideas, opinions and views. Makes a change.

Wish we had a educated citizenry! Thank you Prager!

@stuckinthemud9226

8 жыл бұрын

+Banshee Moon You look great in a bikini!!

@stuckinthemud9226

8 жыл бұрын

+Banshee Moon Not that that has anything to do with this discussion. Just pointing out a fact.

@mrfuriouser

8 жыл бұрын

Good to see you over here. Agreed!

@badpanda84

8 жыл бұрын

+Banshee Moon yeah if we did Trump wouldn't be dominating in the polls

@iinRez

8 жыл бұрын

+Banshee Moon Seriously and considering how most everyone, all the time has access to the largest library ever available to human kind in their damned pockets, it is boggling how anyone can remain uninformed or fooled by bias reporting, or education. We all have equal access to the information, most just don't want to take the time so they blindly trust in what the "official authority" claims whomever that may be. How can one truly be self determined with such a mind set?

There is a line in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith that speaks volumes. "This is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause". We the people are willingly giving up our liberty by not only electing those who want to take it away but by re-electing them and keeping them in office.

It saddens me to see all of this to take place in U.S.A Your country have a beautiful history of conquest for freedom and the right to pursuit happiness.

@iinRez

8 жыл бұрын

+halafradrimx We all became spoiled and dependent and failed to uphold that mindset. I'm all but certain future nations will look back at the rise and fall of the United States and it's liberty as a historical lesson of *"What not to do"*

@Saiputera

8 жыл бұрын

That what happen if you vote for a Muslim president. A.k.A Obama

@tommytruth7595

8 жыл бұрын

+Chris Shackle Same religion too.

@sabin97

8 жыл бұрын

+halafradrimx lol, conquest for freedom.... it's like a rich white slave owner talking about liberty.... or a middle class western white woman talking about privilege....

@Snowcrest289

8 жыл бұрын

+sabin97 Give him a break. English is probably not his primary language

This brings up an interesting point of the word "liberal". For some reason, here in the US, "liberal" became associated with central government control. But the word "liberal" comes from "liberty" or "freedom". Also, the word "democrat" comes from "democracy" which means everybody is equal ... whether you're in government or not, everybody should be equal. So, Japan's LDP should rename itself as "Freedom Democratic Party". If you take the meaning of the words "liberal democrat" literally, these people should be for maximum personal freedom. "Libertarian" also comes from "liberty". It's ironic that "libertarian" and "liberals" are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.

@Bob5mith

8 жыл бұрын

+COCO Lve "Liberal" has many meanings in the political context and they get confused and conflated. In the liberal/conservative context, liberals want change and conservatives don't. It doesn't matter what change, any change. All revolutionaries are this kind of liberal, no matter what they're fighting for or against. These are our "progressive" liberals. They want change. In the liberal/authoritarian context, it's just as it sounds. Our conservatives want to preserve our liberal economic policies while our "progressives" (fascist-lite) want to change them to authoritarian policies. Then there's _social_ liberal/conservative. Social conservatives are authoritarian and want to force their morals on everyone "for their own good." They want to save us from "sin." At least they're honest about it. Social liberals are liberal and want to keep the government out of our social lives as much as possible. You probably know this better as "libertarianism." "Progressives" are authoritarian here, but claim/think they're liberal, and want to force their morals on everyone "for their own good." They want to save us from liberty. They're flaming hypocrites. Clear as mud?

@killer13324

8 жыл бұрын

With defining liberal and conservative politically, and explaining their interchangeable use between the States and everywhere else in the world i have the best explanation. Simply due to the existence of the US, the political definitions changed, though not in the official dictionary sense, via the logic involved. Modern liberalism is the political philosophy straying away from our outright rejecting the founding principles on the nation in which one resides while modern conservatism is the political philosophy adhering strictly to the founding principles in the nation one resides. That's why an American liberal has the ideology of a European/classical conservative and why a classical/European liberal has the ideology of an American conservative. American liberals and classical conservatives are left wing while American conservatives and classical liberals are right wing. Fascism goes along the lines of American liberalism so despite the webster definition, fascism is a left-wing ideology, not right-wing.

@robinsss

8 жыл бұрын

+Jormungand13324 "modern conservatism is the political philosophy adhering strictly to the founding principles in the nation one resides.'the founders were more like libertarians than conservativesthey weren't conservatives'

@killer13324

8 жыл бұрын

robinsss The Founders were classical liberals. The colonies were under british jurisdiction before America's founding. After America was founded, the definitions of liberal and conservative could be used interchangeably between the US and the rest of the world. The founders were classical liberals which is American conservatism today. American conservatives adhere strictly to America's classical liberal founding principles. I hope i've cleared that up for you.

@robinsss

8 жыл бұрын

Jormungand13324 conservatives have tried to include themselves under the term but they don't fit in the group because they don't support individual freedom or limited government on the social side libertarians are the only group that truly support liberty on the social and economic side

Time and time again I have spoken out about how the single greatest example of tyranny in the US today is that of the Supreme court issuing law as if they were the ultimate authority, completely disregarding the wants of the people, or the decisions of the legislative and executive branch. We need stronger checks on the Judiciary branch if we are ever to remedy this.

@j.grimes4420

5 жыл бұрын

There are checks in place, but the other branches haven't bothered. There are many ideas for reform, but these days none of them will get through because they "came from the other side".

@rachelplows3001

5 жыл бұрын

The judicial branch was never supposed to legislate from the bench anyway

@thor654

5 жыл бұрын

@@rachelplows3001 the US legal system is based off the English common law model (Henry II 1154-1189). under this model Case Law is formed by judges EG the supreme court, which is then referred to in future cases. this is not point in fact Legislate as the legislative branch passes legislation. in regards to more checks on the Courts stop letting the president appoint supreme court judges for whole life terms.

@keepingitreel...8037

4 жыл бұрын

@@thor654 ~ The mistake the founders made was not implementing term limits from the very beginning, on everybody. Their original intent was to serve for a bit and then return to their family farms. They expected everyone to serve that way, precisely because it wasn't so beneficial then, in Federal Hall in New York, Congress Hall, in Philadelphia, and then finally, in Washington DC. It wasn't meant to develop into a highly lucrative career. Congressmen and women, continue to get re-elected by bringing home the goods. Therefore, people like Ted Kennedy, and Robert Byrd can serve their state constituencies for life, if they prefer. Ted Kennedy served Massachusetts for 47 years. (1962 until his death in 2009 becoming the 3rd longest serving Senator in U.S.History) Former KKK Member, Robert Byrd was, and is, the longest serving Senator in U.S. History! He served his state of West Virginia for over 51 years! (1959 until his death in 2010) He served when Dwight Eisenhower was President. But guess what else? He was in the U.S. House prior to that! 1953 - 1959. He served when Harry Truman was President! That gives him a grand total of 57 yrs in the U.S. Congress! He brought home tons and tons of Pork. . . Remember the series of Military Base Closings, starting with the 1988 selection of New Hampshire's Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth? (It closed in 1991) The elected officials couldn't make those cuts because they feared, quite correctly, that they would lose their jobs. So they appointed a committee to do their dirty work for them. Why? Because they keep their jobs by constantly giving us things, not by eliminating them. That's exactly why Socialism continues to grow more favorably. Bernie Sanders and company want to give you everything. Rush Limbaugh even said, it's pretty hard to defeat Santa Clause. Congress has steadily continued to become richer and more powerful every year. They cannot cut anything! Term Limits would've allowed them to make the right decisions for America, because they would have to go home soon, and live under those very same conditions. Their decisions wouldn't have been so damned self-serving, for perpetual funding and reliable support for re-election. . .

@michaelm8460

4 жыл бұрын

Humm.. They ARE the ultimate authority when it comes to laws being Constitutional. They are one of the checks you say we need.

Do you know what I like about Robert George? He refers to the highest level of government as the "National Government" and not the "Federal Government." For this one reason, I can believe he knows his stuff.

@honkyjesuseternal

3 жыл бұрын

That makes zero sense, but sure. Please don't go out on a killing spree, "Jon Hall"?

@jonhall152

3 жыл бұрын

@@honkyjesuseternal Five-year clap back. And it makes ZERO sense. Are you new to the internet?

@honkyjesuseternal

3 жыл бұрын

@@jonhall152 Slow down, mama.

@jonhall152

3 жыл бұрын

@@honkyjesuseternal I think 5 years is slow enough 🤣🤣

@honkyjesuseternal

3 жыл бұрын

@@jonhall152 Please put the guns away, Jon Hall. Do not do your civic duty as you think it to be. Just try to be a good person?

Home school or private school your children if you can to save America

@garlictyme2472

5 жыл бұрын

So they can think the way you want them to and be just as dumb?

@TheSkeletonSkier

4 жыл бұрын

I go to a public school...It sucks!! Whenever we have an article to read on a test, It is always about "Gender Inequality in America" or "Climate Change" Both of these are FAKE!!!!!

@TheSkeletonSkier

4 жыл бұрын

@limeade lemon How?

@TheSkeletonSkier

4 жыл бұрын

@limeade lemon Carbon is good for Life on Earth...and plus, during the Cambrian Explosion, there was 5x the Carbon in the atmosphere than today

@TheSkeletonSkier

4 жыл бұрын

@limeade lemon But most Carbon doesn't even come from us, it comes from volcanoes

I don't identify as left wing or right wing, I just agree and disagree, and I just feel like the Constitution should be left the way it is

@CaptainBill22

8 жыл бұрын

+not Sauer That's what a conservative is, someone who doesn't believe in bending or breaking the constitution.

@gophop

8 жыл бұрын

+not Sauer It has been unchanged for a long time. It's very difficult to change, in fact. That's why the government violates and side-steps it instead.

@DianaMartin1910

8 жыл бұрын

+not Sauer The Constitution is a framework. There will always be situations that arise where there is controversy in interpreting how that situation "fits" in the framework. When a case is appealed to the Supreme Court to make a ruling they aren't "changing" the constitution. They are ruling on where that situation "fits" in the framework of the Constitution. That is one of the three arms of government doing what it was designed to do. Sorry if you don't always like the results, but the way it was designed to work is what can't change.

@cityraildude

6 жыл бұрын

That's a very logical way of doing things **claps**

@tuckersmith5520

5 жыл бұрын

Right On Brother

*looks down in the comments * nope *looks back up *

Benjamin Franklin once said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

welcome to Europe. I mean America.

@tonstad39

8 жыл бұрын

You are linguistically correct, American languages only exist on reservations. But, as a liberal, I do agree that rights (though not very special) when compared to other first world countries are being taken away by the progressive stack, making it more like Socialist Europe.

@LucaHulot

8 жыл бұрын

tonstad39 every decision has good and bad consequences. Capitalism is good for the economy, yes, but what about the poorer social class ? Socialism help them, but then the economy doesn't do as good as Capitalism... and etc... and etc... for my part, i'm in the middle. but i don't know how it's called in the U.S. or even politics. is that liberal ? (because i'm actually European ! yep :P)

@RB-yw3oi

8 жыл бұрын

+Otto Carius II that's a very callous and selfish, inhuman statement. It's also an OPINION. People who CANT help themselves shouldn't get help? What breed of sociopath are you. Democracies decide how socialist they want to be. In my country, New Zealand, we have roots in socialism but also have the freest environment for business operation in the world. We enjoy the 3rd highest standard of material living, behind Canada and USA. Your comment is ridiculous.

@buckman2170

8 жыл бұрын

+Reid B There are those that truly need help. A sudden widow/widower with children, someone that lost their job unexpectedly, those struck with a terminal illness. But there are many that play the system for the sake of getting things for free, while using the government as a crutch and claiming it as a right. For example. Recently in Seattle, the minimum wage was raised to $15/hr. However, these same people that got the raise, then demand fewer hours, because they would no longer get their government and state subsidies and goodies. This is a prime example of what I mean by there are those that can do better for themselves, but voluntarily choose not to. Another example. The need for health insurance for those that have pre-existing conditions such as a terminal illness or defect, are the ones that should be given insurance and not turned away by the insurance companies. They are the ones that truly need help. And there were already state and federally funded programs for low income people and families for subsidized insurance, such as Medicaid. But the ACA put a blanket one size fits all mandate, demanding everyone buy insurance whether we want to or not, or get fined for it. I personally cannot buy insurance for my daughters now, because it is too expensive. It is also loaded with "requirements" set by the law to the insurance companies, that are very unnecessary for my daughters. Insurance for the general populace should be there for what it was intended: catastrophic reasons. I only want insurance policies that would help if I was in a car accident, or I get cancer. But we no longer have this option. That is good, just, and fair? These examples are what rile most of those against such socialist policies. Yes there are those that do need help, but so many more do not if they would just do their own "fair share" (see what I did there?). Besides, every person should be willing to help their fellow man OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET. Not by the will or power of the government. That is theft and pity, by force. And pity solves no poverty problem, or gets them out of it. More like chains that hold them there, and makes it harder and harder to get off dependence.

@sentienttomatoes8507

8 жыл бұрын

+Reid B You can't really try to compare New Zealand and The U.S.A together dude. For one, New Zealand didn't suffer nearly as bad as Americans with the economic recession, for another the vast population differences make an environment where socialist ideals are easier to take hold in New Zealand with less people taking advantage of it. Your comparing apples to oranges. And besides, New Zealand isn't socialist either, and to say New Zealand enjoys 3rd highest standard of material living is laughable at best. Socialism is nice in theory but a stupid idea in practice. And it isn't societies duty to keep everyone afloat, and it doesn't make one a sociopath to think that.

That's one of the problems, were not taught our constitution and our rights as citizens

Too late.... Professor Alexander Fraser Tytler,] nearly two centuries ago, while the thirteen original states were still colonies of Great Britain wrote: "Democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves largesse out of the public treasure. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefit from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy, always to be followed by a dictatorship, and then a monarchy. Let Thy Kingdom Come... is the only solution

@Calico5string1962

6 жыл бұрын

Fortunately, we have the Second Amendment. If that fails, then the most armed populace in all of history will be unleashed.

@BladeOfLight16

6 жыл бұрын

That's why the founders didn't set up a democracy. The idea of "democracy" is one of the biggest lies about our country.

@pricture

5 жыл бұрын

Dan Smoot #556 - A Republic, Not A Democracy (1966-Apr-18) - kzread.info/dash/bejne/l6t-29eRg7qbnqQ.html

@keepingitreel...8037

4 жыл бұрын

Rush Limbaugh said, "It's just very difficult to beat Santa Claus. People are not going to vote against Santa Clause, especially when the alternative is being your own Santa Claus. In a country of children where the option is Santa Claus or work, what wins?" Bill O'Reilly said, "it's a changing country. The demographics are changing. It's not a traditional America anymore. And there are 50% of the voting public who want STUFF. They want THINGS. And who is going to give them things?" Limbaugh also said, "Until people understand how big government reduces prosperity for all, they're going to be fooled by little things, by marketing, by smooth talkers, by faux compassion." I say, I agree with them, and add the following opinion. Far too many High School and college-aged people are lazy and entitled. They see the numbers of success stories in America and assume those people are simply privileged, as they were taught, which in turn makes themselves victims of these thieving, conniving, comfortably rich folk, that America's rigged system has illegitimately produced. It's just not fair! We need, admitted Socialist Bernie Sanders, who not long ago, used to be laughed at, but now more and more Democrats are becoming just like him. Who can give away more than whom. It is changing so quickly, Sanders is almost becoming a middle-of-the-road Leftist. . . You, never-Trumpers should seriously rethink your position. These people cannot ever be allowed to win again! God Bless Donald Trump! "Results Matter!"

@thegeneralist7527

4 жыл бұрын

There are many parliamentary democracies that are doing just fine. Canada is an example where the Queen of Canada is the head of state, but holds no real executive power. The Queen is a symbol of the state. Canada is a monarchy in principle. The function of government is conducted by an elected parliament, hold executive and legislative power, and subject to an independent judiciary. All is protected in the Constitution of Canada and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Anyone who thinks that HIS/HER RIGHTS are given by the BIG-DADDY GOVERNMENT should NOT CRIB when the very same rights are TAKEN AWAY by the BIG-DADDY.

I have preached this for months now and so far no one is listening.

@CaptainBill22

8 жыл бұрын

+David Berklin I'm sure they've all called you an idiot as well.

@mrdorn542

8 жыл бұрын

+Aguila701 what is your problem mate your really salty. My dad loves prager and he's a minority group the u.s used to napalm.

@gophop

8 жыл бұрын

+David Berklin Ignorance is deep rooted and well-cultivated. Don't lose sleep over it. It's all falling apart, and you won't stop it. Worry about your own.

@gophop

8 жыл бұрын

OXI Soldier It's a mad lib lol Scrolled through too many tumblr memes or something.

@davidb4715

8 жыл бұрын

To those who do not believe how far we have fallen, that is fine and that is your freedom to do so. However pray there will never come a day when George Orwell's "1984" and William Cooper's "Behold a Pale Horse" glimpses into the future comes to pass. Half of what written has happened and you pass it off and compromise as something in the name of security. Half of you I will assume are democrats since you chose to insult rather than engage with civility so my words will mean nothing to you as you will no doubt see it as "the sky is falling" rhetoric. That is fine. Just remember many times you called for "changes" that was a bad idea and it blew up in your face. And to Aguila I am actually Afro American the last person the Klan wants around them. Oh, last bit of history fact, the Klan was founded by democrats.

Question: If an individual is penalized for not having health insurance under this law, and later, this law is struck down as unconstitutional, then is the federal government obligated to return the moneys it penalized so many people for under an unconstitutional law????

@jamestheodorou3683

7 жыл бұрын

Cameron Dierks Supreme Court considered the penalty a "tax" so no, it won't get refunded

This noble-minded professor is a veritable needle in the haystack that is Progressivism.

@honkyjesuseternal

3 жыл бұрын

Progressivism means progress for the common people. Health insurance, income equality and racial equality. Correct, this professor is a needle in the side of those causes.

40 years ago I recognized that the 9th and 10th amendments were being routinely ignored (I'm in my 60s now). This was a point of profound depression for me.. that we had come so far and not recognized the most basic historical reality.. All governments attempt to grow and draw power to themselves.. the constitution was a rare document.. one that delineated the restrictions on power.. that our government should be so rapacious as to ignore the basic intent of the document could only mean that we, like democracies before us, only have a limited lifespan, before the darkness inevitably returns. That I should be witness to this is deeply depressing. Worse.. the understanding of the world which I've always craved led me to this. Knowledge is a gift.. but it can also be a terrible curse.

Too many today do not understand the need to constantly fight for your freedom. The laws we have today probably cover almost every situation that occurs, the constant enacting of more and more laws that require more regulation, more restrictions, more red tape and more financial costs to enjoy the "Freedoms" you are permitted are just a slow but steady way to make freedom so difficult and annoying and costly that people give it up. We must never give it up.

Thank you! I've been trying to get this across to people, including attorneys and judges, for over 40 years. Even today, people just don't seem to get it or don't want to.

Marvelous commentary and thank you for posting it professor George.

Thank you. I submit that general "ignorance" is less the problem than the bold assertion of those engaging in sedition. The real question is what we are willing to do about that.

Professor George is spot-on when he suggests we read America's founding documents! A few months ago I was in Barnes and Noble and ran across a book titled "The U.S. Constitution & Selected Writings of the Founding Fathers." I have to say that it is one of the most wisdom inspired books I've ever read and it solidifies every argument in support of the 'intent' of the Founding Fathers in the formation of this nation. The mere fact that they were wise beyond today's comprehension is astounding! For them to be able to foresee many of the pitfalls that awaited a developing nation, and then to enact a Constitution to thwart those very same pitfalls that originate from fellow men is remarkable. Some of the Selected Writings are a bit difficult to easily understand because they are in the original language of the day and much of the grammar has to be carefully read (sometimes more than once) to understand the meaning. I honestly believe that as a condition of educational institutions receiving federal funds, federally backed student loans, or any similar type of benefit they should be required to have mandatory courses teaching The U.S. Constitution which would include the writings that brought about the creation of it. Love these courses Dennis. Thanks Professor George for another eye-opening video on PragerU!!!

Great video!

This was a phenomenal and very informative video. Thank you PragerU

Brilliant and powerful presentation, professor George. Thank you!

'WE are always only one generation away from losing our freedom'!

"What the hell happened to us?... What happened to the American Dream!?" -Nite Owl "What happened to the American Dream? It came true! You're looking at it....." -The Comedian

@FippyDarkpaw

5 жыл бұрын

Alan Moore was exactly right.

Very clear and sobering - thank you for this video. I recommend everybody buy a copy of "The Federalist Papers." The essays are short, packed with philosophy and information, and give a very clear view of the founder's intentions.

Excellent video! I wish more people could understand what is happening to our freedoms....

There's never an explanation of why Brown v. Board of Education is a "moment of glory" and Roe v. Wade is an example of SCOTUS "overstepping the bounds of its authority." Perhaps this is simply a reflection of Mr. George's own approval of the first case, and lack thereof for the second.

@DianaMartin1910

8 жыл бұрын

+Karl-Henrik Smith Exactly right! This video was rubbish!

@necrolord1920

8 жыл бұрын

+Karl-Henrik Smith The 10th amendment explains it imo. Roe v. Wade ruled that the federal government magically has a power of determining abortion policy even though it is not stated in the constitution or the amendments anywhere. That power should be reserved for the states. In fact the amendment used to "justify" Roe v. Wade says a law cannot deprive someone of life without due process, so if anything a person should have to go to court to explain why they are depriving the child of life before being allowed to have an abortion.

@georgecataloni4720

8 жыл бұрын

+NecromancerLord The argument for legal abortions isn't an argument that some people should be allowed to be killed, it's an argument that fetuses of a certain age are not people to begin with. That is something that needs to be clarified before the amendment can be understood for cases of abortion.

@necrolord1920

8 жыл бұрын

George Cataloni If the baby isn't a person, then why do people get harsher sentencing for assault on a pregnant woman vs one that is not pregnant?

@georgecataloni4720

8 жыл бұрын

NecromancerLord Because pro-choice people disagree with that law and pro-life people disagree with Roe v Wade. That's why it doesn't line up.

so informative and important. in a sea of idiotic content, these enlightened discussions are so, so important. we live in a land of idealistic thinking and disparaged federal mandation (mandate-ion). that is not to say that the people dont have power. it's just to pinpoint the federal government's hand in all aspects of our lives

the tyranny of the MINORITY can be just as bad, never forget we left Europe because of the small ruling cliques among the European royalty and government controlled the majority.

Thank you professor! I take back what I have thought about lawyers!

Much needed. More like this, please.

TMM destroys these clowns every time

I am a civilized free man. My government is turning me into a disobedient citizen as it restricts my liberty. There will be a time when me and other good hearted free men and women will be forced to draw a line in the sand, a time when we are labeled criminals and extremist. I fear that time is quickly coming.

@razorbackblood06

8 жыл бұрын

+sabin97 You should look up the Westboro 'baptist' church, they like to do the same sort of shit. Its basically a insane cult that loves to seeks attention from shock value and controversy.

@razorbackblood06

8 жыл бұрын

+sabin97 Tensions are growing friend, I suspect that notion to secede was more of a warning shot over the bow, a message, that the State of Texas is not pleased with the erosion of American liberty. Texans do not really want to secede, if they can avoid it. Likewise, I would prefer not to have to go to war with my government, but once my freedoms are directly and forcefully threatened.. I will fight. I will not submit to an oppressive state. Many people have fought and died in order to protect this nation and I will join them in death before it falls to tyranny. If there is one duty that I acknowledge as an American citizen, it is to defend and uphold the Consitution. The enemy might kill me, but I will die with the honor of being a true patriot. I can't imagine a greater honor.

@sabin97

8 жыл бұрын

razorbackblood06 and yet those pussies in texas havent done shit since the awful black man had the tenacity to get reelected. they are all talk and no action. i was looking forward to a second usa civil war. they are all a bunch of loud mouth pussies. "rararararar, we're gonna secede, rarararararar..." but nothing ever happens....all bark and no bite.. and i suspect you wont fight either. you rolled over and accepted the "patriot act" imposed by bush 2, and not abolished by bush 3(obama). you allow torture to take place. you allow bush 3 to keep guantanamo open. you allow bush 3 to use drones to butcher civilians. and the list goes on and on and on... you wont do anything except talk tough, which is rather cheap...and disappointing. once usa implodes, the rest of amerca can thrive.

@davidkaser7423

4 жыл бұрын

@@razorbackblood06 Personally, I think the entire mid America should secede. It looks like both the east coast and west coast want to live in socialist/communist America. The rest of America wants to live with freedom and liberty with the ORIGINAL Constitution, and bill of rights without any and all INTERPRETATIONS. I would vote a big YES for this to happen. For one it would eliminate the war that we are facing if this situation does not get fixed soon. For another, our current government would be able to continue to grow their corruption as much as they like with no interference from the people that want to live with freedoms and liberties.

@Stormkrow280

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidkaser7423 so ONLY the original 10 amendments then? Nothing else? You might want to think LONG and HARD on that one for a bit: constitution.findlaw.com/amendments.html I especially like the 14th amendment, which says that states have no right to take MY rights away, do you not agree that if the federal government can’t take a particular right away from me, then state and local governments can’t take that right from me either? If not then Whats the point?

I’m sharing these videos left and right because I’ve read the Constitution and it’s a BEAUTIFUL Document THAT STILL APPLIES TODAY! Every American should memorize the Constitution!

“Freedom!” William Wallace character in “Braveheart”

Professor Robert George to replace Justice Anthony Scalia! That's an even swap.

I wonder how many people knew that the USSR had a constitution (called Stalin's constitution) that sounded eerily like America's constitution. It too, was insidiously eroded until their population was crushed under the weight of socialism. We can suffer the same fate. It's just a matter of time.

@P1taJ

8 жыл бұрын

+Aguila701 Do you know that something like 80% of their earnings is eventually taxed? Also, they have huge exportation surpluses of oil and other resources, which allows them to have those huge taxes. They are largely homogeneous populations. They also have large amounts of inequality due to more complex reasons. There are many things we could implement based upon their practices, like criminal rehabilitation. However, I don't think their economic policies are valid for a nation as large, populous, and diverse as the US.

@P1taJ

8 жыл бұрын

Aguila701 Straight up capitalism? Where? I'd seriously like to know where there's a free market so I can move there.

@yiyoascen

8 жыл бұрын

***** yeah because violence is a greater good than high standards of living... I bet you married your cousin

@P1taJ

8 жыл бұрын

yiyo ascen +dylan alvarez war is never an option

@tomdalton4293

8 жыл бұрын

+Paul Angeli It was worthless because they did not have an independent judiciary

I am not an American, but this was truly phenomenal! 😊👍

Good stuff, great exposition on the Constitution's restraints on government which are largely ignored today.

I, personally, am glad that we as a society are moving in a direction that allows me freedom from having religion crammed down my throat in favor of demonstrable science and reason. I'm also glad that I am more free than ever before to be my most authentic self possible. We're not losing rights, we're improving as a society. This isn't just my opinion alone, though. This is the opinion of many other millennials and gen-zers. This KZread channel is inherently religious and thus biased, so of course you'd be crying about religion not being taken seriously anymore.

A terrific lesson in history and civics! Thank You, Prager U!

In High school, public school, I had one Civics class and in that class we had exactly three one hour classes on the Constitution where we read over the Constitution and also read over the amendments without discussion. I remember being chastised for complaining that I would like to have more discussion on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The argument from the teacher was that we only had so much time alloted for that section. My conclusion at that time was that the gov didn't really want students knowing about that topic.

The Constitution isn't here to govern the people, its here to govern the government. The sooner we as a nation come to this realization, the better off we'll be.

@aaronandelise

8 жыл бұрын

You are correct. That is why liberals hate the constitution and claim it is old and has no bearing today. You cannot be progressive and change everything you want, when there is a set of rules denying those whims.

Thanks, professor! I've learned more from you and the other PragerU contributors than I did from my entire undergraduate program!

“Whenever the cause of the people is entrusted to professors, it is lost.” ― Vladimir Lenin

This is the most essential of all of these videos. Thank you

The People have a great treasure in Prager U and the simple clarity of Founding Documents. Thank You.

Well this is what happens, should have stayed part of the British Empire rather that leave to create your own.

@Calyrekt

7 жыл бұрын

lmao

@joshdavies9055

7 жыл бұрын

Errrr gerrrr derrrrr

@JohnDoe-td7mu

7 жыл бұрын

Lol, no. You're country is far worse off

@briancoons2828

7 жыл бұрын

Right...because GB is doing SO much better...

@willarddavis7938

7 жыл бұрын

TheCoomer yeah, staying in that monarchy was so much better. GB wasn't always one way, uncultured uneducated swine. Wow, that was harsh. But seriously, we did the right thing leaving

*Rights do not exist.* The concept of Rights do not protect people's freedom, _au contraire_ it erodes freedom. If rights need force to be valid, then they are immoral, a contradiction of themselves. They end up violating what they pretend to protect. If force is the cause of "rights" the result changes with the cause. What you dare to call "rights" is nothing more than the indiscriminate use of force, to bend will over an arbitrary idea. One of the rules of truth is non-contradiction. And if you need force to impose "rights," to avoid force to be imposed... you are defending the losing side So when people scream and demand for their "rights," they are just asking to use force on other people to get what they want. That is not different from institutionalized mugging. People responding to the concept of rights create a horrible phenomenon, where they delude themselves into thinking that the use of force on others is legitimate; for them to get what they want. Even if it isn't earned. They just have to make it a "right." If people by just demanding "rights" get what they desire they become addicted to this pernicious behavior.

@Ral9284

8 жыл бұрын

*Rights* = _"My rights are better than your freedom."_

@Ral9284

8 жыл бұрын

Alvaro Ayque, you forget justice is fictional, subjective and it doesn't exist. _"And also i think that you are ignoring that people sometimes mistake a right for a mere pretention or whim just because they feel entitled to it."_ No, simply, rights also do not exist.

@Ral9284

8 жыл бұрын

_"[...] i guess the every judicial system ever is just a waste of time."_ It shouldn't exist from the very start. _"You should think about you life principles more often."_ I do. I think you do not see your mistake here: _"You talked about non-contradiction right? If you think that _*_justice_*_ doesn´t exist and is subjective why are you even arguing about it?"_ So why don't you read it like this then, Alvaro Ayque . Let's see if you catch your logical fallacy: _"You talked about non-contradiction right? If you think that _*_god_*_ doesn´t exist and is subjective why are you even arguing about it?"_ God isn't the problem in religion, just as Justice isn't the problem in the Judicial System. The problem is Religion and the Judicial System respectively, Alvaro Ayque. _"Rights,"_ just as _"God,"_ both do not exist. _"And you shouldn´t impose your opinions on me."_ I am not, and stop victimizing yourself. I didn't use force for you to come here, not even invoked you to my publication. You came freely here. Do you have anything else aside from cheap sarcasm and weak arguments?

@kevinstephenson3859

8 жыл бұрын

+Ral Crux Are you an AnCom? Do you believe in natural law/inalienable rights like life, liberty and pursuit of wealth?

@Ral9284

8 жыл бұрын

_"Are you an AnCom, __Kevin Stephenson__ ?"_ Explain this. I do not know what means. _"Do you believe in natural law/inalienable rights like life, liberty and pursuit of wealth?"_ I think you misinterpret me, Kevin Stephenson. Rights aren't entities. Those you mentioned are individuals' properties. And each of those properties aren't inalienable in any way from the individual. Now, individuals can voluntarily recognize or not to respect those properties in each of us, and those same ones can express this recognition and call it _"Natural Rights,"_ but that is just a mere conventionality that doesn't make _"rights"_ any less fictional than before. The _"right"_ to live do not stop bullets, nor grant people with immortality. Actually it is something very natural to die, any predator can concur to that. The _"right"_ to liberty was never a deterrent to slaves traders, nor provided with wings to slaves. The _"right"_ to wealth has never stopped any government from taxing its own citizens. Actually the US Government can legally kill its own citizens, strip them from their liberty, and thieve them with taxes to do the first two. And it uses _"rights"_ to achieve that. What you dare to call _"rights"_ is nothing more than the indiscriminate use of force, to bend will over an arbitrary idea.

I am actually shocked a Princeton professor would voice these truths. Well done sir

The loss of freedom to choose, that’s a slippery slope. Regardless of political leanings, Americans should be sceptical of politicians eroding freedom.

And lemme guess your point here Prager, the supreme court overstepped their line when they legalised abortion and gay marriage nationwide right? Well excuse me, but I fail to see the logic, legalising gay marriage/abortion equals overstepping authority but desegregation equals just judgement? Just judgment says who? I'm sure many of the founders would hotly disagree, and claim that legalising sodomy/abortion and creating equality between Europeans and Africans was unconstitutional. P.S Oh, and BTW, I'm almost positive that the founders would have seen the war on drugs as unconstitutional, considering how many of them smoked cannabis. That's without mentioning Iraq, Vietnam etc.

@apburner1

8 жыл бұрын

+Born2BWild Desegregation = 14th Amendment Abortion = medical = State issue Marriage = contract law = State issue Anything else I can help you with?

@MrGuyJacks

8 жыл бұрын

apburner1 War on drugs, Iraq and Vietnam.

@apburner1

8 жыл бұрын

War = Federal issue Drugs = medical = State issue Though I will admit that I am libertarian on drugs. No government at any level has the right to tell a person what they may or may not put i their bodies. It can't even really be considered a medical procedure,

@MrGuyJacks

8 жыл бұрын

apburner1 That's my point, smoking a plant is considered wrong by the Fuzz while putting in god knows what created by the medicine companies is completely fine, I call BS. BTW, some of the founders smoked Cannabis.

@jeremycalhoun6783

8 жыл бұрын

+Born2BWild Those who fight for equality over liberty will have neither in the end.

aaaaaaaand the Supreme Court ruled in favor of George W. Bush being president over Al Gore. Yeah, that's all I need to know about them.

@gophop

8 жыл бұрын

+Thursday121am The SCOTUS is a political tool. Something it was never meant to be. But something it could not have been prevented from becoming.

@Esperkama

8 жыл бұрын

+Thursday121am Every recount they did Bush won. They never once did a count where Gore won (look it up if you don't believe me). The Supreme court said the state of Florida violated their own laws when they issued recounts after the person who legally was in the position to call the race... called the race... as their state law says... Why would you advocate for not following the law?

@TenLetters123

8 жыл бұрын

+Thursday121am Lol that's not the supreme court's decision, silly goose.

@shieldwolfrh

8 жыл бұрын

+Thursday121am It wouldn't have made a difference if they didn't. Bush still won Florida, even after the recounts were determined. www.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/04/04/florida.recount.01/index.html?_s=PM:ALLPOLITICS

@gophop

8 жыл бұрын

TenLetters123 That never stops the SCOTUS.

Thank you for trying to shine some light on the amazing genius that was given to our founding fathers as they wrote our constitution. I truly believe it was an act of Devine intervention.

The High Court is out of control.

Good Job, Robert ...I, too ponder the wording as it is generalized and loosely translated to allow for government tyranny 'if' ...and 'then' is OK if (again) another condition is alluded to 'or' implied theretofore 'when' another set of conditions pander as if ...IMHO, the language was invented to clarify rather than obscure the lowest common denominator (Intent) that 'Talk is cheap' and actions speak so loudly ...Every civilization was lost from the Bully Pulpit ...The Public Trust (Hard-won, easily lost...forever) All for One and One for All becomes Every Man for Himself ...autonomy and volition cannot be conveyed incorporally

This was genuinely inspirational!

This was a much needed video. Thank you.

1) The Federalists uses the separated Bill of Rights as a bargaining tool to ratify the constitution 2) THE ELASTIC CLAUSE 3) On the individual mandate, the Affordable Care Act was actually two separate pieces, one the used Congress’s power to regulate commerce ( provisions such as the lifetime limits ban or the pre existing conditions clause ) and the individual mandate which was actually part of a tax code change to accompany the ACA ( Side Note ) I really hate when political institutions call themselves universities

Ladies and gentlemen, the illustrious, Robert P. George!

You should do a video on the fact that the founding documents don't give us rights, but restrict the governments power to interfere with them. Many people in the US and in other countries don't understand this, and this is the root of Americanism.

This needs to be shared!

Thank you for saying this. I fear that it is too late, but hold out hope that it has been spoken at just the right time to turn the tide.

He forgot to add at end we can always do what Americans do best Fight For Our Freedom.

Any day is a good day to do this but 4th of July and Constitution day are very good days to pass out the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. You can google and print, there are apps, or buy them from stores like hobby lobby. I still think we live in a great country, let's keep it that way.

One of the best and most important Prager videos ever.

Hallelujah, Merry Christmas, Peace be with you; Thank you for all your good works, God bless you...🙀😇🌲

Read Madisons notes from the first Constitutional Convention, it was all about Private Property Rights and Contract Enforcement. At the core, this is it.

Good stuff!

This is a really important topic and I'm glad that there can be a debate about it. Not all overreaches are equal some are even necessary the way I see it. as long as it is from a educated standpoint, from the people and for the people. for something to be from and for the people it has to be a 75% or more agreement about the issue or be a proven fact like for example enforcing vaccines because they do in fact help.

If All Americans Want Their Freedom Back, only one solution, "REPENTANCE"

This was extremely interesting. Wow!

Excellent synopsis!

Of all the political challenges we as Americans face today, I believe this is the most urgent. When will people realize that selling liberty in the long term for short-term victories in public policy is a recipe for the destruction of the values and freedoms we cherish the most?

LOVE this!

I see all your ads in the text, yet were is a link for a free copy of the Constitution!??

4:55 That.

Best and most important Prager U video yet.

this was extremely interesting.

I think this video may be one of the most interesting yet

I like the way that George went about explaining the restrictions on liberty, especially at the hands of the federal government. I feel like he really dropped the ball on how state governments are constricting personal rights, especially with mandatory automotive insurance clauses in a vast majority of states.

This sounds like something my AP Gov teacher would say 👌 If only more people realized what actually happens and goes on.

The States are constitutionally responsible for electing congressional Senators - not the people in a general election. These senators are expected to rule in the interests of the State and IF THEY DON'T, THEY ARE REMOVED! Were this still the case, the people would be able to focus more on their local representatives - good local representatives make good State representatives make good Senators.

Heart-breaking! But I can't help but WONDER about THIS: What with their getting "proofs" of bad behavior, child abuses, etc, via "online" sources, & how skillful "hackers" are by now, might it not ALSO be super easy for INNOCENT people that ARE "DISLIKED" BY the GUILTY people, to just end up GETTING FRAMED BY "the guilty people"???

"Justice is the end of government." Federalist 51 "The interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts. A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by the judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore belongs to them to ascertain its meaning, as well as any particular act proceeding from the legislative body." Federalist 78

So, how do we take areas of public policy out of the federal government’s hands?

As a professor of constitutional public administration it is gratifying to see videos showcase history and constitutional doctrines. However, it is discouraging to see these done in a simplistic fashion that reflects one view of the Constitution. Also, the Constitutional Convention was in 1787 not 1781. And judicial review was indeed meant to be by the writers of the Constitution, which in many cases, makes the Supreme Court the final voice on what the Constitution means. Read not just the Constitution but also the Federalist Papers. They were written primarily by Madison and Hamilton and explicate the meaning of the Constitution. The view of the Constitution expressed in the video is one of strict construction, a view Jefferson in particular had. In light of that view, he realized the Constitution would have to be updated periodically. A quote about how constitutions like clothes need to be changed over time is embedded in the rotunda of the Jefferson Memorial. Some hold a similar doctrine about the Constitution and attempt to apply original intent to interpretation of the Constitution. However, the Hamiltonian perspective on the Constitution has dominated its interpretation. It was started by John Marshall, the third Chief Justice of the United States, whose opinions in key cases established our current constitutional doctrine. Hamilton proposed interpreting the Constitution by looking at the values embedded in it and how these should be viewed in the current context. Original intent means looking at the Constitution as if it was to be forever expressed exactly as written. That means in many cases, it would be irrelevant as there was much less complexity at the time of its adoption. Implementing the values in the current context keeps the Constitution relevant just as Biblical and other canonical interpretation keeps religion current. John Ellis argues persuasively that the Constitution did not settle political issues but rather framed an ongoing debate. Thus each generation can argue about what is desirable and pursue policies they find desirable as long as these policies don't contravene constitutional values. Finally, be wary of abstract terms such as liberty and freedom. They are not self-defining and it is their application that is important. Affordable Healthcare does require the purchase of health insurance which makes universal coverage through private insurance possible. This conservative proposal thus may seem to curtail liberty - that is the right not to purchase health insurance - but it provides enlarged freedom for many who previously could not exercise the right to purchase health insurance. Abstract politics are dangerous as they often trigger emotions more than thought. Freedom and liberty are more likely lost when treated as shibboleths that forestall a society from effectively addressing its problems.

@minendown

8 жыл бұрын

+Larry Keller I want to read this, but the text block hurts my eyes.

Did you saw the movie Sons on Anarchy? Well in that movie there is something about some letters from a father to his sons where he is passing some of his knowledge about life. And in one of the episodes a passage from one letter remained in my mind. That about people don't really want to be free because being free is hard, too many difficult decisions to make. People really desire safety. We want to be carefree and cozy. That's why i'm inclined to agree as there is no other satisfactory answer to why, like in this video was said, freedom is given away. It seems counter intuitive too loose your freedom but we still accept it because life it's easier. It's the same as owning small company or being employed at a large company.

Which software do you use to create the animation?

Dang it! So the guys in the government right now aren’t even following the rules that we’re all suppose to follow!

I'm a South African guy and I want a federal government in my country. There's too much centralization.