One of things I can’t help but wonder in this state of emergency, with these shelter-in-place orders some governors and other officials have place upon their citizens, is their constitutional authority to override our basic rights. It’s an emergency, we hear, we can do whatever we want and think is best for you.

The first amendment in our Bill of Rights guarantees five essential rights for every American. These rights were given as a protection so we would not find ourselves in a state of tyranny in which our lives and livelihood could be arbitrarily taken away from us.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The one to look at is “the right to peaceable assemble.” This right was importantly given to us so we could assemble publicly or privately to discuss or voice our opinions and to share our common values, daily discourse and interests, even to work peaceably without threat of harm.

In Michigan, they can actually fine and/or incarcerate you for violating the governor’s current emergency order prohibiting assembling. The order goes as far as to say you cannot assemble with anyone of another household. And further, you must stay at your residence unless you have permission outlined by the state to leave your home.

“Abridging,” as we read above in the amendment, means you cannot lessen or interfere with the right to assemble.

What conditions do you think should supersede our rights?