02 March, 2006

Simpsons 1 Consitution 0

The results of a new poll indicates that Americans don't know shite about their own Constitution.

Only one in four Americans can name more than one of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment (freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances.) But more than half can name at least two members of the cartoon family, according to a survey.

The study by the new McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that 22 percent of Americans could name all five Simpson family members, compared with just one in 1,000 people who could name all five First Amendment freedoms.

The survey found more people could name the three "American Idol" judges than identify three First Amendment rights. They were also more likely to remember popular advertising slogans.

It also showed that people misidentified First Amendment rights. About one in five people thought the right to own a pet was protected, and 38 percent said they believed the right against self-incrimination contained in the Fifth Amendment was a First Amendment right, the survey found.


It only makes sense, doesn't it? I mean, people watch televison quite a bit but rarely use their Constiutional rights. Most folks don't even notice when the Patriot Act takes them away so why would anyone assume people actually know their rights?

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