Bicentennial of Bill of Rights

“It’s not my job.” That was George Bush’s message on the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights. His “salute” amounted to this:

“If you feel free to speak and write and pray according to the rules--if you already have a place to live, food to eat and clothes to wear--the Bill of Rights and those elected to serve are at your service, to hold onto it all. But if you are one of the have-nots--if you are just seeking some of those rights and some of the quality of life we pretend all Americans enjoy--forget it.” That is paraphrase; this is quotation:

“The framers (of the Constitution) did not elevate acquisition of even the most vital goods and services to the status of rights . . . .” Ah, but the preservation of those privileges--that is sacred, right, George?

DON FAWCETT

Los Angeles