Sunday, Nov 01 2009 08:29 PM
Basic human rights
With the talk of the day ranging from Iraq to health care to athletes on steroids to "Dancing With the Stars," our attention is being diverted from what I believe should be the big debate -- should basic human rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) be given by a government, or are we born with them?
Every time we allow someone else to make a decision for us, whether it's the government, our parents or a friend, we give that person or entity a right to a percentage of our lives.
I'm not saying we should be completely independent of the love of trusted friends or family, but a big decision should be who we give those rights to as free and thinking human beings. Just a thought.
BRENT NEEDHAM
Bakersfield
