Re: Off Topic: "Right to Privacy"

[Harry Binswanger hb@xxxxxxxx]

> Let's concede that there is no *explicit* mention of
> a Right to Privacy in this grand document. It probably *should have* been
> so enshrined in the text
Jordan, I agree with and applaud your intent. But let's go even further:
the purpose of the Constitution is to limit *government* not the citizen.
The citizen doesn't need to find in the Constitution a right, rather the
government needs to find there an authorization for anything it wants to
illegalize. The 9th Amendment was designed to make this point--i.e., that
you don't need an explicitly enumerated right.

Or, in the words of my favorite author:
"Under a proper social system, a private individual is legally free to take
any action he pleases (so long as he does not violate the rights of
others), while a government official is bound by law in his every official
act. A private individual may do anything except that which is legally
*forbidden*; a government official may do nothing except that which is
legally *permitted*."

Sorry for the way-off-topic post.

Harry Binswanger
hb@xxxxxxxx