What Does 'Constitutional Duress'

Mean for Americans?

Have you ever felt like your rights are being chipped away, one small law at a time?

by Malka Kideckel 

Welcome to the concept of constitutional duress, where the freedoms and rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution are gradually eroded by subtle, often unnoticed changes. These changes can seem innocuous at first glance, but over time, they add up to significant losses in our liberty.

Imagine waking up one day to find that your favorite social media platform now requires a detailed scan of your face for "security purposes." Or picture discovering that your taxes have increased due to a new law that was quietly passed while you were busy binge-watching the latest season of your favorite show. These are the kinds of scenarios where constitutional duress comes into play.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Think about it: each small change on its own might not seem like a big deal. But when you add them together, they start to form a picture that looks an awful lot like your rights being taken away bit by bit. It's like the classic "frog in boiling water" scenario. If you drop a frog into boiling water, it will jump out immediately. But if you place it in lukewarm water and slowly turn up the heat, it won't notice the danger until it's too late.

We see this happening all around us. Take privacy, for instance. With each new app we download, we agree to terms and conditions that allow our data to be collected and shared. A little bit here, a little bit there, and soon, there's a massive amount of personal information floating around in cyberspace.

Convenience or Freedom?

How many of our rights are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of convenience or security? This is a question we must ask ourselves continually. Do we really want to trade our privacy for the ability to unlock our phones with our faces? Is it worth giving up our right to peaceful protest for the sake of "public order"?

Consider the case of increased surveillance. Governments often argue that more surveillance is necessary to ensure our safety. But at what point does this surveillance start infringing on our right to privacy? When do we draw the line between security measures and our freedom?

Real-Life Example: The PATRIOT Act

One of the most significant examples of constitutional duress in recent history is the PATRIOT Act. Passed in the wake of 9/11, this legislation was designed to enhance national security. However, it also expanded the government's ability to conduct surveillance and gather personal information without the usual checks and balances.

While many Americans supported the PATRIOT Act for its promise of increased security, others raised concerns about its impact on civil liberties. They questioned whether the measures were truly necessary and whether they undermined the very freedoms they were supposed to protect.

Humor: Government Spending vs. Personal Budgeting

To illustrate how ridiculous some of these changes can be, let's compare government spending to a personal budget. Imagine you handle your finances the way the government does. You max out your credit cards, take out loans you can’t repay, and justify it all by saying it’s for your own good. Pretty soon, you’d be drowning in debt. Now, imagine if the government had to adhere to the same financial responsibility as we do. It’s a humorous but sobering thought.

The Frog and Us

So, how can we prevent ourselves from becoming the proverbial frog in boiling water? By staying informed and questioning changes that seem to infringe on our rights. It’s about being vigilant and not taking our freedoms for granted. We must engage in discussions, raise awareness, and hold our leaders accountable.

Final Thoughts

Constitutional duress is not just a legal concept but a real and present danger to our freedoms. We must continually ask ourselves: How much are we willing to give up in the name of convenience or security? By staying informed and vigilant, we can ensure that our rights remain intact for future generations.

Remember, it's our responsibility to keep the heat in check and not let the water boil over.

👉 Question of the day:  What small changes have you noticed that seem to chip away at your rights? Let's discuss in the comments below!