James delved into the topic of Civil Rights versus Civil Liberties on September 30, 2022. As American citizens, we are born with certain rights, the most prominent being constitutional rights. These rights were established long ago by the government to ensure fair treatment of all citizens, especially concerning basic human rights. Additionally, civil liberties provide protection against government abuse of power, safeguarding individual rights with regards to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

The Bill of Rights and Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment enshrine civil liberties in law, while the Constitution details government duties in seven articles. Ten amendments, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, outline what the government cannot do, affirming basic civil rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and equal protection under the law. Civil rights combat discrimination by the government or fellow citizens, safeguarding the rights of individuals regardless of characteristics such as race, religion, or national origin. Protecting the right to vote is a notable accomplishment of civil rights efforts, even though some citizens are apathetic towards this right while others are still fighting for it.

However, despite the constitutional safeguards in place, there remain limitations to our rights and liberties. For instance, freedom of speech has restrictions in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, and religious practices may be limited depending on the law or government. This has created a grey area and made it harder to distinguish what is permissible and what is not, requiring courts to interpret the language of the Constitution and make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Despite this ambiguity, we still possess significant rights and liberties that help maintain a sense of order, protecting our families and keeping us safe in an ever-changing world. We know the boundaries of what is permitted in society and the consequences of breaking the law. Yet, evolving technology, social media, and the blurred line between free speech and hate speech have created new challenges for courts, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the balance between free expression and public safety. It is therefore essential that we keep ourselves informed about our rights while understanding their limitations.