What is a Fundamental Right?
It’s obvious (at least to me) that many people don’t understand what a right actually is, especially considering all the so-called rights that people are asking the government to do something about. Often what people think are rights really aren’t. Is there an easy formula for determining whether something is a right or not? Yes…
This video, featuring Joel Skousen, explains the origin of rights and what is and what isn’t a fundamental rights. By watching and understanding this video you will be able to understand what is and isn’t a fundamental right, pertaining to any issue, bill, legislation, law, etc. Understanding fundamental rights is the basis of understanding the Proper Role of Government.
Want to skip right to the “formula”? It’s at 4:10 in the video, however the rest of the video helps you understand the concept better with examples and more.
I’ll also spell it out for you right here: “Fundamental rights are those rights which everyone can simultaneously claim without forcing someone to serve their needs.” Now watch the video for further explanation.
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:49 am
Excellent definition. I’m going to print it up and frame it. I would only change the word “fundamental” to “all.” Beyond the fundamental rights there are no rights, just privileges. Not that all privileges are bad, but we must recognize and define them for what they are. “Free” public education, just like public roads, is not a right but privilege we either earned by willingly contributing to it, or was willingly given to us by others. Either way it is a voluntary contract and can be rescinded at any time by either or all parties, whereas rights cannot be violated.
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
This is excellent. Thank you for sharing it!
May 4th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
I love this quote. Thanks for sharing!
October 13th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
i loooove the skousen books and work! thank you… so i understand this definition until i try to use it to explain gay marriage.. how do i use this definition and defend the sanctity of marriage by saying they dont have the ‘right’ to mary. i can certainly make clear arguments against gay marriage but not by using this definition
October 13th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
I don’t know if I have the best answer for you, but here’s what I’m thinking…
There’s another level to the whole picture – beyond this definition of fundamental rights…
A right is only something that is right (righteous). We have no right to do wrong. We may have the ability to do wrong, but not the right. This is where God’s Law comes into the picture. God established the institution of marriage, and He has declared that marriage is between a man and a woman. Society (most societies) has accepted God’s law in this regard and have fashioned their own laws in support of God’s law. After that’s what this life is for, to learn to be like God, to follow Christ and the Gospel. Thus in government we should strive to have our own laws in accordance with God’s law. Unfortunately we have mostly failed miserably, especially in trying to maintain a government that operates only in righteousness.