Is there such a thing as a "right"? Or are all these things we value just privileges that can be taken away at the whim of someone else?

I there really a "right" to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What is a "god given right" anyway?

Is there such a thing as a "right"? Or are all these things we value just privileges that can be taken away at the whim of someone else?

I there really a "right" to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What is a "god given right" anyway?

It's quite simple, actually. It depends entirely on your belief in religon.

If you are a religous person, you would say they are rights; if you are an athiest, you would say they are privileges granted by the government you live under.

I thinks 'rights' are an egoic illusion. If someone 'gives' one the 'right' and can remove it, it seems like a 'privelege' to me. Actually, the only 'right' that I have found that cannot be taken is the 'right' to remain silent, which must be willingly relinquished..

"Rights" are neither rights nor priviliges, but what one has demanded with one's strength. No one can take from one a "right", only rob such from oneself via superior strength. The animal world presents an excellent example of this: Either the gazelle or the lion exerts their strength effectively. Either the lion manages to subdue the gazelle, or the gazelle manages to outwit and out run the lion. Their "right" to life is based on their capacity to guard it against all attacks. Owing to this, not even constitutional limitations may protect one from infringement of one's right, specifically as any government is capable of ridding itself of constitutional restraints so long as the people in power have the will to do so.

Rights and privileges come from the muzzle of the biggest gun!

Baron Max