Rights

In America, we all have rights.  The constitution offers the rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  If you notice, some things never ended up on the list.  The guarantee of happiness is not present, only that you may pursue happiness.  Also missing is your right to walk over another person’s rights.

If I am a store owner, I can refuse the right to serve someone who I felt was threatening my patrons or me.  Threats could include someone who may be intoxicated, pointing a firearm, or potentially threatening my store with a bomb or a possible biological agent that could be deadly.  In this country, one person’s rights do not negate anyone else’s rights.

No one gets to yell ‘FIRE’ in a crowded theater.  You cannot start target practice on Main Street.  You cannot steal a car or kill someone and not end up pursued, and arrested. And, if there is a deadly virus that is threatening your area, and you refuse to follow the rules, you might not get service.  The store owner has a right to deny you service if you do not comply with the protective needs of society.

I Understand the wish to do whatever I wanted.  At the same time, I know the need to do what is right for the greater good of all.  I am not an island unto myself.  I am part of a greater community.  I must balance my rights with the needs of everyone.  If I fail to do so, the entire basis of my freedoms is at risk of failing.  Then, I would have no ‘rights’ to protect me.

Thank you for being with me today.  I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof